Time For Change.
I had a nice little post ready to go today but can’t help but speak up about the horrible massacre in Orlando. It’s hard to talk about decor when something so horrific has occurred in our country that highlights what is so wrong with our governmental policies. I never have been political on this blog before, mostly because I never felt like I had skin in the game, so to speak. I felt helpless as a single woman, like my voice didn’t matter and wouldn’t change anything, so what was the point of getting bent out of shape over these policies I couldn’t change? I think a lot of people feel this way and it’s why our country is in such peril.
But now it’s different for me. Watching the news coverage this weekend while playing with Henry I felt so angry. I looked at his sweet, little, innocent face and remembered the unspeakable, unimaginable Newtown shootings and realized we have done NOTHING since then to change our gun policies. Everyone said that if anything was going to change America’s stance on guns, it was that gut-wrenching event. But look at us now. Same story, different people. What’s it going to take? How much more carnage until we start making changes?
The main issue here is the fact that the NRA has our political system in a choke hold. And that is terrifying. As I stated on my Facebook page this weekend, I have no problem with the Second Amendment as our forefathers intended it. If you want to own a rifle for hunting, fine. Want a handgun to keep in your home for protection? Okay, that’s your right. But you should have to take a class on how to safely handle and properly store your weapon, pass a test on those topics, go through a full background check and then patiently participate in a waiting period. But no one, and I mean no one (outside of our military) needs a semi-automatic or automatic weapon. There is absolutely no reason for it. It’s just common sense. And the fact that this country can’t pass common sense gun laws to protect it’s citizens because of the NRA is psychotic. The fact that this person down in Orlando who was being investigated by the damn FBI was easily able to purchase an AR-15 is just the most backwards, messed up, violently wrong (literally) thing in the world. And while we absolutely need more services available to the mentally ill and more people to speak up when they see or hear something suspicious- banning the access to these military grade weapons WILL help prevent mass killings. Period. No one can change my mind about that because it’s just the facts. No “cars kill more people than guns” arguments please. Because cars have a good purpose other than killing- they get people to work, to hospitals, to see family- an assault rifle has no other purpose than to kill and kill MANY. And no, banning assault rifles will not end terrorism. That is a sad truth. But it will help limit the body count. And if that is where we start, then that sounds good to me. At least it’s something.
The saddest thing for me is that we have allowed this to happen. As a country we allowed all those children to die at Sandy Hook, we allowed all those innocent people out celebrating life in Orlando to be mowed down. We gave these killers permission by allowing our country to keep it’s lax and backwards laws in place. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Time for people like me who have kept quiet and not participated in this discussion to start talking. To start screaming. Letting our leaders know this is not the kind of country we want to live in. I’m terrified of the world my son will inherit from us. I can’t sit idly by and just let the status quo stand. I need to be able to tell him I tried to make change happen.
I am sure this post will inspire much debate, and that is healthy and fine. But please keep it civil. I don’t think anyone who reads this blog would disagree that we need to protect our children and our peers. We all want that. I’d love anyone’s links, feedback and advice on the most impactful ways we can make our voices heard to our governmental leaders.
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I just wanted to say thank you.
Fear, distrust, anger, hate, more fear, and more anger, and more fear, and then so much suffering.
Thank you, Erin, for using your platform for more than what others have deemed to be “just about pretty things.”( And btw, those types of comments reek of sexism. Wondering how many people would bother to tell a male blogger that he shouldn’t share his opinions on current events.)
While I absolutely believe that certain types of firearms should be banned, I think it is just a bandage on a gaping, oozing, infected wound. And it’s getting bigger.
The notion that we need to protect ourselves from our government that is just waiting to takeover at any moment is one I believe to be antiquated at best. The idea that we are all safer if we are walking around armed to the teeth feels irrational. So much fear-mongering – on BOTH sides of the argument. Like Yoda, I believe it’s just going to lead to more and more suffering.
Guns scare the crap out of me but that doesn’t mean that I’m against them or those who choose to own them. If I can understand that guns make some people feel safer and that we have a right to own them, why can’t those same people understand that not every type of firearm is appropriate for civilian use? Even if the legislation itself is just a bandage on the wound, wouldn’t that step be a catalyst for the American people coming together to make real and lasting change towards treating the problem of violence of all kinds in this country and not just the symptoms?
We can do so many wonderful, positive things, but only together. Even if I can only help by patiently listening to those that hold a different view, then I pledge to do so. And I’ll keep praying that God guides us all towards healing and love. xoxo
Andrea… I think if a guy subscribed to sports blog and all of a sudden they were looking at a bunch of political commentary, there would be some that would want to get back to focusing on sports. Throwing an “ism” out (be it racism or sexism) is an attempt to discredit those with opposing views. It is tiring.
Anne, true, they might. My “ism” is not discrediting their stance on gun control, rather the ludicrous and just plain rude notion that Erin shouldn’t talk about such things because her blog is mainly about interior design.
Some of those commenting here have asked an honest question with a real intent on trying to understand: Why does anyone need an AR15. This article was penned by a professional writer from the tech world and is as moderate and respectful an answer to that question that I can imagine. It is certainly more so than anything I could do or have done on earlier posts.
If you want to hear and consider such an answer, please read the article. It may not change your mind at all, but you might be a little more educated and make better arguments for your viewpoint by investing the time.
https://medium.com/@jonst0kes/why-i-need-an-ar-15-832e05ae801c#.jt2jm4f2k
Thanks, Dan. I’ll check it out.
Good article…thanks for sharing.
This post has made me curious about the amount of mass shootings and what effect stricter gun laws have had on the problem.
Here is a list of mass shootings by President of 4 or more people.
Reagan-11
Bush Sr.-12
Clinton-23
Bush Jr.-20
Obama-162
Number of mass shootings by president of 8 or more people
Reagan-5
Bush Sr.-3
Clinton-4
Bush Jr.-5
Obama-18
What is going on here….does anyone have an idea. Wow! It doesn’t seem to be that stricter gun laws have had any impact on this problem. But, why the huge jump?
Julie, I don’t really understand your point here. There have not been any federal gun regulations passed since the assault weapons ban in 1994 under President Clinton, which lapsed in 2004, and certainly there have not been any stricter gun laws instated during the Obama years when we see this large jump in activity. I agree that there are many factors associated with gun violence, but surely the availability of weapons to the wrong people is an important factor to look at.
One thing I find interesting is that between 2007-2013 gun ownership has risen sharply in the US, to the point where the number of guns in circulation exceeds the country’s population (this was reported in the Washington Post). https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/10/05/guns-in-the-united-states-one-for-every-man-woman-and-child-and-then-some/
It is interesting how this coincides with the Obama administration years as we have now seen a sharp increase in mass shootings and deaths. Of course there is no proven causal relationship here – only a correlation, but it’s not a leap to surmise that the widespread availability of these weapons directly enables these actions.
So to answer your question: why the huge jump? I don’t know, but the increase is certainly NOT due to gun availability and tighter laws. That is just a fact.
So do you think part of the problem is that the laws already in place are not being enforced , and if so why not? More regulation is not going to cure that problem. Maybe a start is enforcement of current gun laws.
I’m a faithful reader, have been for years. I will tell you that I completely disagree that guns are the problem. I will still read your blog and I will still enjoy it, because I understand that in order to like someone and share interests with them, we don’t have to see eye to eye on everything or agree on things. We have something we are both passionate about…decor and design…and being moms. And, to be honest, that’s enough for me. One reason would be enough. I don’t read blogs because I’m looking for a twin, I read them because I enjoy hearing different perspectives. I appreciate yours.
Have a great day, Erin!
Hi! First time commenter here. :)
Please consider joining Mothers Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. I have two sons; I’m a proud member. It’s a small step towards a big goal, and we are strength in numbers.
Thanks for speaking up in a public forum. That shows great courage, and it’s a great step in the right direction. ;)
Ashley
I think Dan has shot holes the the argument against AR15s. See, the problem is that people say they just want to ban one gun…really, they want to ban all guns. Ridding the United States of guns is not going to happen. You say as long as guns are legal we are all targets. So you are fine with the bad guys having guns (because they will) and all the good guys not having guns so we are just targets that can’t shoot back.
I know a woman who felt the same way about guns until she was confronted by a large man in her home and hit in the head with a pipe. Luckily she was on the phone with a friend who alerted the police and they got there in time. He was dragging her around her home by her hair. She now has her conceal and carry and is an advocate of gun rights.
When I said “minds are made up”, I was talking about both sides. One thing we all agree on is that these deaths are horrific and tragic. You can’t even wrap your mind around it! God help us!
Erin,
I love your words and I am not surprised that having Henry led you to trailing off the path of design in your blog post today. You intelligently discuss ways to make our world safer for ALLchildren. There HAVE been assault weapons bans in the past . People who say this is impossible to legislate are being disingenuous. All of your ideas relate to the good common sense gun laws that our country desperately needs. You may assume I know nothing about guns… I grew up in a family of hunters, learned to shoot when I was very young and there was a rifle club in my high school where kids carried their firearms around with them every day after school. My grandfather had a “gun” room w/ his rifle collection. As kids we learned early on that we were never to touch guns, bullets were locked away and nowhere near the locked rifle rack. My parents ” vacation” every year (away from the kids) was deer hunting with my aunt,uncle, and grandparents. I am against the selling of any and all assault weapons and their magazines. I am a pediatric nurse practitioner and learned over 20 years ago to ask about guns in the home and ways to safeguard children. It’s gotten so bad that pediatric professionals can no longer even ask comfortably and or counsel about this issue in the privacy of a pediatric visit. Have things changed for the worse? Yes they have. For a new mom you are very well versed… do not be deterred. The mothers will change the course of this debate and common sense legislation will prevail. Soon no candidate will be viable unless they support common sense gun laws because they will lose the “mother” vote. This is as crazy an idea as MADD was when it was first formed…. hmmm. I wonder who “won” that one…. Fortunately we all did !
Are you going to ban knifes too?
https://www.amtvmedia.com/33-dead-130-injured-china-knife-attack/
The common thread between Orlando and this event is Muslim terrorists., not scary looking semi-auto rifles.
An armed citizenry can protect themselves if allowed to do so. There are wolves in the world. You can live like a sheep, and you can have police as sheep dogs to protect you from the wolves, but they cannot be everywhere and they cannot respond fast enough. I choose to be a sheep with sheep dog teeth, and it is not right for any of you to deny me that right.
Erin commented earlier that a good guy with a handgun cannot fight a guy with an AR15. Well that depends on position, tactics, and opportunity, not caliber size (and by the way all defense handguns are a bigger caliber than the AR15, it is just that rifle rounds have more energy because they have more gun powder and higher pressures). A semi-auto carbine like the AR15 can be more accurate and at greater distances, and that makes it more effective. I would rather have that than a handgun, but I am not going to carry that around. In my home or if there is a known event like a riot or larger scale attack, the AR15 would be at my side. But I would rather have a semi-auto defensive handgun than nothing when an event like Orlando or this attack in China happen. In a crowded room with chaos underway, a person armed with a handgun could easily neutralize an attacker with an AR15 if within range and at the right moment while the attacker’s attention is focused elsewhere. That possibility is removed by gun free zones…zones the attackers count on.
Another earlier commenter said most attackers commit suicide so they do not choose gun free zones because they plan to die anyway. They choose gun free zones because they want enough time to do a lot of damage before being confronted by a good guy with a gun. Most of the mentally ill mass shooters commit suicide at the first sight of armed resistance. It is enough to have a concealed carrier draw their weapon and present resistance.
Trained terrorists are not likely to stop as easily, but dealing with an armed resistance slows them down and changes the momentum giving more people time to seek cover, escape, and more time for police to respond.
How can you tell another human that they are not allowed to have the best tools at their disposal to defend their life or the life of loved ones? There will always be wolves with lots of options for tools to do harm. No laws are going to change that. A gun is an equalizer. More and more women are discovering that. And if you listen to many in the LGBT community online following Orlando, many are coming to that same decision. If it is not for you fine, but do not stand in the way of others who want the ability to save themselves.
Well said Dan. AR 15’s are flying off the shelves especially in the gay community as they should. Since the Orlando attack, Obama has let in 441 Syrians with dozens going into Florida. Cops/FBI cannot protect everyone. People have right to protect themselves. The Clinton’s took 40 million from Saudi Arabia, Quatar and Kuwait, the same people she’s calling out to “stop funding extremists”. More than anything we’ll need our guns if god forbid she’s elected. These same countries by the way that stone/ rape/ mutilate women and throw gays off rooftops.
Hi Dan,
First off, thank you again for keeping the debate civil. I applaud your passion. I just disagree and find some of your logic flawed. Let me ask you this…if everyone in the country was armed at all times, do you think we would have more or less gun related deaths? I think you can see that it would be more. More guns doesn’t equal safety. This has already been shown in country and after country with bans or strict regulations.
We are also making the leap that a ban on guns would put guns only in the hands of criminals…which makes sense except that it isn’t what actually happens. If there were no other examples of that not being the case, I would agree with you. But we have too many examples to ignore. That is the fundamental difference between our debate. I don’t see a reason why what works for someone like Australia wouldn’t work for us.
But let’s leave it at we agree to disagree for now. Enjoy the weekend.
Andrew
I assure you I am not a soft target and neither are many who make the decision to own guns for self defense. I have dozens of hours of training by SWAT officers who are also law enforcement trainers who work with civilians. I practice at least 3 times per month. That is more than most police officers, many who do little more than minimum training to re-qualify each year. There are, of course, many police officers with significantly more training. They are the ones who show up 15 minutes after the event and end it if it is not already ended. I do not take it lightly and I hope I never need these skills in a real situation. I know many who do and feel the same. But it doesn’t even take that level of commitment to be effective.
After Sandy Hook, Obama himself commissioned a study to learn more about gun violence. His own study came back with the following conclusion:
Almost all national survey estimates indicate that defensive gun uses by victims are at least as common as offensive uses by criminals, with estimates of annual uses ranging from about 500,000 to more than 3 million per year…
…
The estimate of 3 million defensive uses per year is based on an extrapolation from a small number of responses taken from more than 19 national surveys.
A different issue is whether defensive use of guns, however numerous or rare they may be, are effective in preventing injury to the gun wielding crime victim. Studies that directly assessed the effect of actual defensive uses of guns (i.e., incidents in which a gun was “used” by the crime victim in the sense of attacking or threatening an offender) have found consistently lower injury rates among gun-using crime victims compared with victims who used other self protective strategies.”
If you read all that I’ve posted here you’ll easily see the math – GUNS SAVE LIVES.
Most handguns are semi-automatic, so do you mean to ban those as well when you say not all guns just semi-autos? Semi-auto means only one thing, one bullet each time you pull the trigger. There is nothing special about that in modern firearms. If you mean only so-called assault weaponss (the term assault weapon was made up by the gun conrol lobby to conflate automatic – actual machine guns known as assault rifles – with non-automatic but scary looking black rifles of a similar shape), they are not really all that much of a problem except for a very small number of incidents.
Here’s some math for all of the people screaming for a ban on so-called “assault rifles.” How many gun deaths even happen from assault weapons?
Well the FBI has provided us with some fun statistics. We’ll use 2013 since it’s the most recent data.
Total murders in 2013: 12,253
Firearms murders: 8,454
Rifle murders: 285
Now when it says rifles, it means anything from a .22 lever action, to your dad’s old deer rifle, to an actual “assault rifle.” Let’s assume that ALL of these are from “assault rifles.” It’s not accurate, but it errs on the side of the liberal point of view, and also helps to remove the error from the “Firearms – type not stated” category.
Now let’s assume that all gun control is 100% effective. It isn’t. Example – the terrorist attack in Paris and the myriad other places “assault rifles” are banned yet attacks still took place. BUT, lets give the liberals the benefit of the doubt on this one.
Using those statistics, rifles account for 2.33% of all murders. By completely banning “assault rifles” from the US, completely destroying people’s rights to defend themselves against criminals and tyrannical government alike, costing the lives of god-only-knows-how-many people when you send the cops to confiscate weapons, and costing billions upon billions of dollars, you have, at BEST, prevented 2.33% of murders from occurring with an assault rifle.
Guess what though… if I’m working on a car and I don’t have a nice air ratchet I’ll grab the manual ratchet and keep working. You won’t stop murders, you’ll simply change the way in which they occur.
GREAT you think, a potential 285 lives saved! Heck let’s just get rid of all guns and save a potential 8,454 lives from being murdered! The truth is, as shown from the study data above, far more lives are saved and far more people are less injured in criminal acts for having a gun. If your true goal is to maximize the benefit to the most people, that is achieved by allowing free people the right to firearms for self defense, and that includes semi-automatic rifles. Do you really wish to put millions of people each year at risk of greater harm?
Julie –
“Minds are already made up. That’s why this is an exercise in futility.” Feels like I could argue the same. I am not sure why you believe Dan is some sort of expert. He presents a clear argument for sure, I just happen to believe it is a flawed one.
“The truth is if law abiding citizens can’t legally have guns, it makes soft targets out of them.” How is this the truth? I can just as easily say that the truth is as long as guns are legal we are all potentially targets. Again, there are far more examples of western nations banning or imposing severe restrictions on guns and in turn the gun deaths/violence is dramatically reduced. What I don’t understand is why you consistently ignore these facts?
And I am fine if you disagree. Completely your right. And as I said to Dan, this is an issue we face as a nation. It is not me vs. you. That is what is wrong with us as a people right now. One has to be right and the other has to be wrong. But it is never that black and white. Both have to do their best to a) understand the other side and b) work to find a common ground. That is why I believe we should ban all guns, but I am only proposing the semi-automatic (and automatic) weapons be restricted.
Andrew…how are those strict gun laws in Chicago working? Talk about the Wild West. The truth is if law abiding citizens can’t legally have guns, it makes soft targets out of them. I wonder why these events occur in “gun free zones”. Even at the Ft. Hood massacre, the soldiers are not allowed to be armed on the base. I also don’t get why no one is listening to Dan, who obviously knows his stuff! Minds are already made up. That’s why this is an exercise in futility.
Dan,
I can appreciate your opinion on this, but I don’t follow the logic. “How can you tell another human that they are not allowed to have the best tools at their disposal to defend their life or the life of loved ones? ” What if we believe the best tools are to remove the ease with which these weapons are attained? Are you”rights” some how more than mine?
I also don’t follow the logic of more guns leading to a safer society. I am not sure of one example where that has played out. I can name plenty where a ban has worked. I certainly don’t want everyone carrying a gun. While it might help in the case of an Orlando, I have to believe the frequency with which disputes are settled with guns would increase…like the wild west.
I actually understand how the logic seems reasonable, but then the evidence points to something else completely. Which makes me believe that the arguments you present are your rationale for wanting to keep your guns. It is your right to feel that way. It is mine to think there is a line that should be drawn. And in the US, it is the job of congress to adjust to meet the standards of our times and the will of the people. I hope that people like you and people like me will let democracy work, knowing that no one solution will make us all happy, but that we still have to ultimately band together as a society to function. That is how we will win the wars we fight.
Erin, I have been reading your blog for years but almost never comment. I have to take the time to do so today. Thank you for putting into words what many of us have been feeling for some time. I too believed that Sandy Hook would be the last straw and something would finally be done. As a mother of 2 boys I simply couldn’t believe that parents would let this go on. The sad thing is that even the most progressive of our politicians are afraid to tackle this subject and when they do they propose little baby steps. The NRA has to be stopped. They control our politicians. This is not the wild west of 200 years ago. The answer is not more guns and arming teachers as they have suggested. I truly believe there are more people in our country who support gun control than not. We need to make OUR voices heard, and exercise OUR political clout!
I have not read the comments yet, but here are mine….
you cannot defeat an enemy you won’t acknowledge…..and it is hard to have a free society, when you hate your political enemies worse than you hate your enemies of war…..
Erin, Your sharing of your feelings felt genuine to me (not political). Your post inspired me to share back. If I could wish all the guns in the world away and for peace to prevail, I would. I see the damage that is done and I also know that if laws are passed to turn in guns, then only law-abiding individuals will do so and lawless individuals will be gun owners. I have no answers. I do not agree with any side of ANY of the “arguments” as none of them are complete. I think the polarization that comes from the topic of guns further causes divide…. it has even caused some people on your blog to feel divided where as before, they felt connected via design. In my experience, what you shared was not political, but human. You shared your inner struggle and pain and you took a risk in doing so. Thanks for sharing and I hope that anyone who felt offended by any comments will take a deep look inside and know the value of owning their own pain.
I’m glad you felt moved to write something. What have you done about it in real life? Given money to an anti-gun group? Written your senator? Congressman? Do you vote? You can see from the comments that there are strong opinions–this is a fight that won’t be won by blog posts. Please stop writing and start doing.
Have you thought about the fact that on 9/11, 3,000 Americans were killed with NO GUNS!
Sorry Julie, but I don’t understand your point. Post 9/11 we DID things about the fact that all those people were killed by planes. Tons of things – just google “airline security post 9/11”. At one point in time there were tons of people killed by drunk drivers…we DID something about that. There was also a time when MANY more people were killed in automobile accidents – we DID something about that, too. The point here is that lots of people are killed by guns – we should do something about that, just as has been done in the past when lots of people are killed from something. We study it, we learn about it, we modify laws related to it. And we make people safer. We save lives. It doesn’t mean we take every single thing away – we still fly in planes – we didn’t ban all air travel post 9/11. We tried to make flying safer. The same is what we need to do with guns.
Good point! We have done quite a bit of legislation regarding guns, however, Chicago has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation and the murder rate is one of the highest in the nation. That was my point. I agree that legislation and awareness can make a difference. . Really, I just come here for design. This is the first time I have commented on a blog and I am certainly no expert. Just putting my two cents in. I am going back to being my non-commenting self!
And so your point is that because of that fact that common sense gun laws aren’t a good idea?
Just trying to put things into perspective. What I am trying to say is whether it’s guns or planes….the bottom line is people kill people.
Well said, Erin! When nothing changed after Sandy Hook, as a society we became implicit in the murder of children, and lost our humanity. It’s sickening that the NRA has such a choke hold on the government. No special interest group should be that big.
And I, too, don’t have a problem with the 2nd amendment. By all means, by yourself a musket. But no one should have the ‘right’ to own a weapon of war.
I think it’s going to be the mothers that organize against this and make a change. I’m so tired of this.
Erin I’m with you. Let us speak up and not be afraid to do so. May our love for our children and community make us brave.
I read your blog for the beautiful pillows, and other amazing visual inspiration that you provide. I love learning new sources like Susan Harter Wallpaper that I am using for a powder room on one of my current jobs. I have given your book as a gift, on several occasions. My younger daughter and I often talk about your blogg, and how you have branched out to so many different mediums like handbags and jewelry. I have used your book to give to kids that are thinking about studying interior design. Your last post left me questioning if we will be returning for these post.
As for your last post, what was not resonating with me was there was so much that you were not addressing. It is a much broader issue than obtaining a fire arm. Below I will address a couple of points.
Newtown was a horrible unthinkable tragedy, and I can not imagine living through that horror as a parent. There were no gun laws that were broken in Newtown, all of the guns were purchased legally. The problem with Newton, was that a sick kid stole the guns, so there are no gun laws that would have prevented him from acquiring the guns. He would have found the guns one way or another, to carry out his plan. He was clearly needed many mental health issues addressed. Some have even argued that the school was targeted because they are a gun free zone.
For the latest tragedy, all of his guns were purchased legally, as well. You have failed to mention any connection to his support from ISIS. There are mass shooting going on all over the world, and in countries with incredibly strict gun laws, such as France, and those laws did not stop terrorist from obtaining and carrying out their attacks. San Bernardino had nothing to do with Gun Laws either. If ISIS wants to carry out attacks, somehow, I think they will be able to get the weapons that they need, even military grade. Banning these all day long, will only keep the people that need them from acquiring them.
In Israel, there have been so many knife attacks recently. Do we need laws now to own knives?
Believe me, I understand your motherly concern. Our township has had an issue with “Swatting” this past year. It is where and automated called sends a recorded message stating someone is on your roof with a gun, or in your school with a bomb, or running around your grounds, etc. They started with once a month, and then moving to at least 2 times a week, alternating schools. They have found that these calls are originating from the Middle East, and usually a woman’s voice. My oldest daughter once spent 2 hours of her day with her back glued to a wall, because they were told there was a shooter in the building. My other daughter has spent hours on a football field from these threats. FBI and Homeland security are working with our local law enforcement to stay on top of the matter. Fun times when you are having to teach your children to be alert in their day to day activities in this “Norman Rockwell” college town that we live in.
I appreciate your concern and point of view. I am hopping that the next post will be about amazing wallpaper or glorious pillows.
Thank you for being polite in your opposition. This post was about one issue, which does not mean I don’t think there are other huge issues at play. But those I have no idea how to combat yet, nor do our leaders, it seems. I do however, see gun reform as a logical step that I can work on helping to pass. As you said, these guns were obtained legally. I am not saying we as people should not legally be able to purchase firearms, I’m saying we should not be able to purchase THIS TYPE of firearm. If these guns, the “favorite” of shooters like Adam Lanza, etc. were not available, they would not have been able to steal them/ buy them and there would not have been as many people killed. Handguns, which I believe people have the right to own if lawful citizens, can’t shoot bullets at that terrifying rate. No, we will never, ever be able to stop a truly psychotic person from harming others, but we can limit the carnage.
Of course I’m sad our kids have to live with this fear- but I also don’t want a future where every child goes to school armed or has men with machine guns in the hall. The “more guns” debate just paints a future like that in my mind and that is far scarier to me.
And of course I think we need many other things to change regarding ISIS, mental health treatment and screening and terrorism- I wasn’t addressing every angle. Just one. And if my stance makes you too uncomfortable to read, I’m sorry for that, but we are all allowed our opinions on this. It’s what makes this country free.
Erin, I believe in a right to free speech and a right to bear arms. It is your blog and you absolutely have a right to post anything that you wish, even limiting my rights. You and I are not the people that are lining up to purchase these assault weapons. I just believe that all the laws in the world will not prevent the people with extreme ill intent from obtaining the guns to carry out these acts of hate. Who knew that planes could ever be used as a weapon like they were in 9/11.
Our society has a constant stream of information pouring into us from 24 hour news, to blogs, to post from news on social media etc. Not to mention when these horrific acts occur, you are met with the conventions in the Dunkin Donuts, Lacrosse practice pick up, grocery store, etc. Your blog, is a much needed welcome escape from the world. I read the WSJ and watch many news outlets for this information, I tun in to you for Fashion Friday and new wallpaper inspiration. So, when I am stating that we go back to Wallpaper and Fluffy Pillows, it is not to admonish your freedom of speech, is is to say there is a value in what your blog provides.
I hope you have a great weekend, and admire the hutzpah that you have on putting it out there in the world.
I read this blog (or did..) for style content. Nothing else. Erin, where I enjoy your details to style your opinion on gun control and the NRA is totally uneducated. The NRA is NOT responsible for what took place this past weekend. If one, two, or three people would have been members of such a group inside that club…that lone shooter would have not been able to kill 49 people and injure so many more. It is simple. If someone would have shot back…..the story would be told so differently. I am a mother of three and I have a concealed carry permit and do not leave the house with out my gun. We are at war. Whether the administration admits it or not. This is a new type of war that no one wants to talk about. This is how war happens now. Terrorists calling and pledging their allegiance and then opening fire on innocent people where he knew there would not be anyone in the club to stop him…. Until the police arrived with …..wait for it…..guns. Someone shooting back is what ENDED that terrible tragedy. I will have to unsubscribe from your blog. LikE mentioned at the beginning of my comment, I read this blog for style content. Not uneducated views on gun control for citizens of this country.
Lori,
There was an off duty cop there. With a gun. Guess what, it was no match for an AR 15!! He was unable to stop him. And all you concealed weapon carriers think you are an expert in these situations. You aren’t trained. You have NO idea if you would have been helpful or not. Heavily trained officers of the law hesitate in scary situations all the time. More guns is never the answer. The actual problem is no one will budge on their gun stance and thus we are left in limbo just watching these awful things happen. If you can’t admit after this situation that gun reform is in order then common sense is lost on you.
How interesting that you think you are entitled to your opinion and I am not entitled to mine. How hypocritical to be a fervent defender of the second amendment but clearly not the first. How sad that you would rather spread anger than try to work with others on finding a cure for all this violence. I’m sorry that my right as a human to open up a discussion about this issue makes you so repulsed you will never read again. But then again, perhaps your time is better spent working out those issues than reading my “silly blog that can only be about throw pillows”. I hope you find some peace.
How funny that you are a fervent supporter of the first amendment and not the second!
If you’re going to discuss hot button issues on a blog about decorating and NOT politics, you are naive if you think everyone is going to agree with your point of view and not get heated! You need to get a thicker skin. No one is denying you you’re first amendment right…they are exercising theirs! Don’t put yourself out there if you can’t take it! And YOU are the snarkiest of them all! These are people who were your customers….I don’t get it!
I think if you are unable to empathize with Erin’s point of view or at least be generous enough to allow her to be more than a pillow recommendation engine, than she is far better off without your readership. You can turn off your computer and walk away from the discussion, continue to only read texts or listen to news reports that reaffirm your belief system, OR you can dare to understand where another mother, woman, HUMAN is coming from. But judging by the tone of your comment, I will dutifully assume with the same empathy I expect from other readers that there is probably something larger at play in your life. Good day.
I meant Loris’ comments not Shelia’s.
I have a suggestion…maybe start a different blog for political discussions! Readers come here for design inspiration (and it has always been very, very good). The saying “at family gatherings…never discuss politics or religion” could apply here. I think people are just voicing their dismay over content.
Betty…How are your comments about Shelia any different than Shelia’s about Erin. I don’t think she was overly rude or hostile. Your Good Day had a very sarcastic ring to it!
Lori,
I completely disagree with this. This was at a bar where people were drinking. If other people had guns and started shooting, nobody would know who the “bad” guys were and who the “good” guys were. It would be a blood bath, with shots being fired from every direction. NOBODY has the right to own a weapon that can shoot 100 people in minutes. My right to live freely trumps your right to own a killing machine.
Lori, you are just not being reasonable or open to the conversation. I get what you are saying about style content, but being so rigid about what you believe it not helpful for anyone. You can’t dismiss any one argument on the whole, you have to consider that in some way all the factors contribute. To deny that fact is just not rational. She’s not uneducated either, you are personally attacking her over views that you do not agree with, there’s really a difference. Please calm down with this “we are at war” line of thinking. It is adding to the panic and it is just not reality. There is no declaration of war, I don’t disagree that things are very different now, but your views drip with panic. Making decisions under panic do not produce thoughtful results. I get so frustrated by this type of thinking, especially from another mom. I can appreciate you opinions and still treat you as a person, you have to take a breath. We can’t handle our kind any one way on a day to day basis, it’ the same principle.
like everyone else who has commented, i too and very angry/sad/confused/scared over the events of last weekend. but above all else, i am heartbroken over the current state of not just gun control, and not just mental health policy, and not just ISIS, but the current state of the world in which we all live. a world where not just 50 people in Orlando, but hundreds of people around our country, and the world, are killed because of what they believe, or who they love or simply, because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. and what saddens me most is that almost everyone’s immediate reaction to events like this, is to dust off their soapbox, step on up and continue on ranting about the 1 issue that they have deemed to be the culprit. I agree, action needs to be taken. it is the only way that things will ever change, for to repeat the same behavior and expect a different outcome is the definition of insanity. but maybe that part of that action is to stop, and listen. listen to people. be kind to people. acknowledge that ‘your’ way is not ‘the’ way. that is not what this country was founded on, or what makes it so great.
i am 26 and therefore have lived more than half my life in a post 9/11 world. my father was flying from Dulles to CA that morning, and by the grace of God was not on one of the planes that was highjacked. his flight emergency landed in Indianapolis and he drove 18 hours home. thousands of families were not as lucky that day. i also live blocks away from the Boston Marathon bombing site and saw first hand the havoc it wreaked on our city and our country at large. i texted my boyfriend who works on that block to confirm that he was alive. i waited at my office until he was able to get to me so that we could find our way home, together. i have scathed by, but far too many people have not. and so take a moment to close your eyes and imagine receiving the news that the person you love most in this world has died. died from a senseless act of violence. and from that place, send love to the families of Aurora, CO, Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech, 9/11, Columbine, Boston Marathon, Paris, and anyone else who has dealt with this reality.
realistically, you or i, as individual people will not single-handedly pass legislation, or cure mental illness or defeat ISIS. but what i can do, is listen to people and love people. i can listen to pro-NRA people, and i can listen to LGBT advocates. I can listen to christians and jews and muslims. i can listen to mother’s who will never see their children again and i can listen to the mentally ill people who cry calls for help. i don’t have to agree with any of these people, or adopt their beliefs as my own, but i can listen. and it’s a hell of a lot easier to listen when everyone is not screaming over top of each other.
and so to the people who have left hateful, radical, narrow minded comments on this post and who spread that beyond the internet and into the real world – i hear you. and i love you, too. in fact, people like you need the most love. and to the people who are at a loss for words and don’t know what to do or where to go, i hear you, and i love you too.
regardless of what you believe, be kind to one another.
Perfection.
You nailed it!
BRAVO.
It’s frustrating that people are blaming ISIS/”radical Islam” though, because by all accounts it appears to have more to do with an internal conflict and NOT anything to do with his background. He appeared to use that as some sort of cover. Not to dismiss the terror we are also fighting, but it adds to the hysteria to say we are fighting some enemy when usually it’s the enemy within. In either case, we need to change the gun laws, but polarizing hysteria is not helping.
Hear hear! As other commenters have said, the issues are wider than just gun ownership but it is one absolutely VITAL thing to fix to limit future atrocities. I’m from Britain and this country (and Europe in general) finds it total MADNESS that America as a country will not protect its own people by sorting its gun laws.
Good for you Erin x
I read your blog religiously, I am obsessed with brass fixtures, I have a throw pillow addiction and I own an AR-15. For those of you reading who have never tried to buy a gun it’s actually very difficult. The news says its so easy. From experience It’s not. Sadly…I truly believe no amount of regulation will change the ability for a criminal to obtain a gun because there are just too many out there now. You can pass gun laws but the blackmarket will always be healthy due gun smuggling (a whole separate topic) .I own one of these because I fully support the theory of needing to protect my family if the government was to become too large . History does repeat itself after all. I have also been a victim of robbery with a deadly weapon so protecting my family from intruders is not something I am unfamiliar with. I chose an AR because in the event I need to protect my family again, I want the upper hand. Maybe I’ve become hardened, but once you have a life experience as such,
Your perspective is a bit altered.
Gun control is an emotional topic. If you remove the emotion and focus on the facts I think it is clear we have a bigger problem than regulating guns. Fact is we have a group of radical people who want to harm all of us Americans using any means they can (guns, planes, crockpots). As long as the sky is blue we as a country will never agree on this topic of guns, it’s just the way it is. I grew up in liberal California and married a cop from Conservative Arizona so I see both sides of the argument and both think they are 100% right. What we all as Americas can agree on is we need to do something to protect ourselves and our babies. We need to take this anger and negative energy and funnel it to do whatever we can to collectively fight the enemy. I have no answers but it saddens me to read these emotional messages where we are insulting each other because of our differing opinions. Let’s agree to disagree but all agree that ISIS is a bunch of D- bags and I wish all the mama bears out there could join paws and rip those coward to shreds.
I am truly enlightened, Amy. (Like, it legit reminds me a little of a moment in high school trigonometry when I finally got it after struggling to for so long.) I am one of those that is instinctively resistant to guns and sincerely confused in trying to understand these opposing comments. I have no doubt these are intelligent, compassionate women that passionately defend the right to own an automatic rifle but I just squint at my monitor reading their rationale and I fully admit, I don’t get it. Your articulation and context and open heart MAKES SENSE and isn’t that 90% of it, just being able to truly SEE each other? Thank you so much for taking the time to write this.
Such an interesting comment because makes me realize how much our individual experiences inform our opinions on such broad issues. I was raised in a gun-friendly conservative Colorado family and married into a liberal New England family. I inherited more than 30 guns – from a decorative Beretta to my dad’s array of hunting rifles to the semi-automatic my stepdad was issued during Vietnam to his terrifying collection of fully-automatics. And I’ve found it super easy to buy guns accompanying my stepdad to gun shows where we freely bought and sold. I’ve never been the victim of a violent crime but DID find myself at the end of my dad’s shotgun at age 8 when he thought I was a robber (I’d had a nightmare but knew I wasn’t allowed in my parents’ room overnight so was making noise in the living room to try and attract their attention). Unfortunately, I think my experience was more common than a ‘good guy’ successfully protecting her home – accidental shootings are all to common. My relatives genuinely fear that someday the government will come to lock them up because of their conservative views. My liberal family members don’t have any such fears of conservatives or the government.
Very different experiences – and mine have made me a-OK with even a full, Australia-style ban on guns.
Wow, this is a powerful comment and one I am glad you shared. Thank you for not only adding your perspective but doing so in such a thoughtful manner. These are hate kind of discussions we need to have, not calling each other names. THIS is an opposing view I can understand and think about. I’m sorry you had to have such an awful thing happen to you and I agree, we moms need to do something to make this world safer. That we are totally united on!!!
Thank you for this.
Erin, I am continually impressed by your strength of character and ability to weather the comments you receive on this blog. And I am continually shocked and appalled by the truly spiteful comments you receive from readers ( a small minority of readers, but entirely too many). I am not going to engage in the debate, but I do wish to offer you the support of a loyal reader.
Thank you for this!! I have been so fed up w/ this bulls**t! Tired of the excuses! The roadblocks! We have to be better than this. Together we are stronger than the NRA and we can do this! I too want to see a ban on automatic and semi-automatic rifles, they have no business in our society And finally “You are a responsible gun owner until your’e not”.
https://medium.com/@nicolesilverberg/it-s-on-us-too-an-easy-guide-to-contacting-your-elected-representatives-about-gun-control-2e2d8eb20e3f#.9pu27v2s0
Your book is treasured item in our home so thanks for that also.
Erin,
I never comment, but alays admire your beautiful posts . This evening it was time for a break from the tragic events of this past weekend and I read your most thoughtful entry on this subject. Sandy Hook said it all and should have been the turning point but sadly it was not. You wrote so perfectly about the joy and anticipation of your beloved son as it resonates with the message of your philosophy for grace and style and embracing what is truly important in life and so, just wanted to say thank you for sharing in so many ways. All we can do is support stricter gun control and vote for those who represent our principles.
Erin, so glad to hear your sane views. I was starting to believe everyone in the US was crazed. I only hope for Henry’s sake that those military-grade weapons are out of circulation in the US as they are in my home country, Australia. It does make a difference – let noone tell you otherwise.
Kate
Dear Erin,
You have every right to use your blog in what ever manner you see fit. It’s yours!
My friend had a seizure recently and is not allowed to drive until the results of her EEG and other tests come back in a week or two. If they find that she is prone to seizures they will take away her license. Why? Because if she has a seizure while driving she could kill someone. It will suck and will adversely effect her life and work etc BUT it is for the greater good. That makes sense right? SO, shouldn’t we use the same due diligence to make sure a lunatic can’t walk into Walmart and buy a gun that can be used to kill dozens of innocent people? Erin’s not saying you can’t have your guns but lets vet people thoroughly first. And I agree no one needs an AR-15 but if you do need one, would it be so much to ask that we make sure you’re not a nut job before we hand it over to you?
And to the person who said “first we could only smoke in one section of the plane, and now we can’t smoke on a plane at all” to prove that the government takes away our rights slowly……Are you F-ing kidding me??!! Yeah your right that was a bad call, I so wish I could still get asphyxiated on a plane.
God help us. This comment equating the loss of smoker rights with restricted access to guns and semi-automatics exactly illuminates two points; that we are dealing with self-deception and selfishness and, their inability to grasp that our personal rights and freedoms are not inviolate if they threaten the rights and freedoms of the greater good. The amendment to bear arms was drafted at a time when colonialists broke away from their English King and government. We don not need to arm ourselves against our modern day government, we can merely elect a new one.
Here is an article about the Orlando shooting from one of the moms of sandy hook. Thought you might want to read it Erin.
https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/10442908.html
I think it’s worth noting that there is an argument that people who conduct such atrocities would be less likely to do so if there were more people that were armed. However, it’s SO easy to obtain a gun in the United States, but the vast majority of people don’t care to carry one. I’m a good person with good intensions and I could easily go buy a gun TODAY and order a couple thousand rounds of ammo online, but I simply don’t want a lethal weapon in my home or anywhere near the people I love – so why would I? Almost every person I know shares that mentality. Looser gun laws DOES NOT equal an increased demand for guns by good people who are trained and know how to use them. A more armed society may (and it’s a big if) deter mass shootings like these, but what if the majority of society itself doesn’t want to be armed?
Erin – I certainly respect you and your right to your views, and I am in favor of anything that is proven effective at keeping any type of gun out of the hands of anyone with ill intent (full disclosure: I do not believe a gun-free world or USA is remotely possible, nor advisable, although I am not a gun owner). We would do better to take a look at our mental health laws than our gun laws. Gun rights, gun law effectiveness, and gun violence are extremely complicated issues that do not have easy, pat answers or solutions. If there were easy solutions, the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban would have solved a great deal of our gun violence problem (including our massive gang problem) and still be in effect today. The point I wish to make is that I fear we are missing the forest for the trees. While Americans debate guns until the cows come home, the ISLAMOFASCIST TERRORIST plans his next attack using a different weapon. For the statistically rare mass shooting like Orlando and Sandy Hook, there are many more stories of firearms, including semi-autos, being used for good or neutral purposes, for protection, to dissuade a criminal, for sport, to hunt, etc. Orlando was not “senseless gun violence” – Orlando was JIHAD. And until we call a spade a spade and have open, honest discussions about the clash of civilizations currently occurring in the West, then more of these attacks will happen. Paris has some of the strictest gun control laws on the planet, but that didn’t prevent the November massacre. The Belgian JIHADISTS used bombs made with parts found at any hardware store and filled with nails and bolts. The determined JIHADIST will always find a way: fertilizer, box cutters, planes, suicide vests, sarin gas. His biggest weapon is FEAR, and how do you legislate fear into oblivion? We’re not fighting a class of weapon here any more than we were fighting Lugers and cyanide gas pellets in WWII… We were fighting Nazism and anti-Semitism back then, and we’re fighting an equally insidious ideology today – one that spans more than just ISIS, al Qaeda, Boko Haram, etc. The discussion that I do not hear enough Americans having right now, and which someone with a public platform such as yours could contribute positively to, is about the clash of a centuries-old, religious-based political system (sharia) under which the majority of the world’s Muslims live with the tolerant, pluralistic democracies of the West. Take into account just the 100 million Muslims living in the 11 majority-Muslim countries that do not afford equal rights to women or to gays… In these 11 countries, the punishment for being gay is DEATH. When citizens from these 11 countries emigrate to Western nations with our vastly different political systems and vastly more humane and tolerant views on gay and women’s rights, it is no wonder that many, many of these Muslims tend not to assimilate, but rather, create micro-neighborhoods with the cultures of the nations from which they emigrated (see Molenbeek, Brussels). Those Muslims then have children who are born in Western nations surrounded by Western (modern) values and cultures, and yet with all the benefits and freedoms they enjoy by being born in Paris or NYC instead of Islamabad or Kabul, they identify more with their parents’ antiquated, sharia-based or influenced values and political system than with their Western neighbors and classmates. Their daughters’ genitals are being cut out or mutilated for religious reasons, their marriages arranged. Their sons are being taught that their sisters are not equal to them. The Orlando JIHADIST was an American citizen born in NYC, yes, but born to Afghani immigrant parents including a father who is on the record as pro-Taliban (not exactly a pro-gay or women’s rights org), who’s said that gays “will get what they deserve.” Please do not misunderstand or misconstrue what I am saying… yes, there are “moderate” and modern Muslims (most of whom are non-practicing, ethnic Muslims who have adopted their Western nation’s secular cultures and views) who reject sharia and its treatment of women, gays, Jews, Christians, religious minorities, etc. But until the West comes to terms with the fact that a great deal of the Muslims in the world (including in the West) DO support sharia and its values and traditions, we will continue to face JIHAD and TERRORISM as byproducts of this clash of civilizations. Accepting this reality is important because it informs our immigration policies, economic and trade policies, and our military strategy, among other policies. Bottom line: we’d do well to focus on the disease and not the symptoms. Just my $0.02.
I agree- this is not a one solution problem at all. ISIS is a problem. Terrorism is a problem. I fear it’s a problem so huge and so complicated that solving it is daunting. I think there are so many things contributing to the scary state of the country- guns is just one, but one I think, we can actually take steps to change!
I am shocked that you would use your professional design blog as a pulpit for pushing your naive and unreaserched views on gun controls. It’s obvious you have no idea what you are talking about and rely on media narratives that are inaccurate. I have no respect for you, as you pander for your business .
You should stick to colors and patterns.
C’ya Cindy!
Here! Here! Cindy. Good for you for pointing out how Erin should stick to what you want her blog about. And pointing out that her views, because they are different from yours, are therefore naive and uninformed. All she should strive for is the respect of people like you.
Might be one of the dumbest comments I have ever seen on here.
All of you are more than welcome to click off the blog. It’s your right just as much as it’s my right to write about whatever I want. Telling me I’m “not allowed” to blog about something is the most childish, uneducated thing I have ever read. Would you teach a child to tell another child with an opposing view to theirs to “shut the hell up”? Because that’s what you just did. Respect??? Please. Time to take a good long look in the mirror.
Agree, Cindy. I love coming here to get away from everyday horrible news. I just want to look at great design…
Here here!
What is shocking to me is that the pro-gun folks seem to resist EVERYTHING. US DOJ Deputy AG Sally Yates (a fabulous prosecutor whose family attends my church) has suggested that there should be a flag in the system so that anyone who was been on a suspected terrorist watch list who goes to buy a gun is stopped from doing so until further investigation is made. That is just one of many seemingly reasonable gun control suggestions that have been made that seem to be automatically rejected by the pro-gun folks. I make my feelings known on the gun control subject with my VOTE and will continue to do so.
Give me a break. This is a style blog. No one wants your political commentary.
No one wants your commentary either.
You are calling people out for calling you uneducated…your response is to call them “immature” and then you go and on about how they need to grow up….I just don’t see a difference. I really liked your blog and I’m going to miss it!
Wow. I am continually disappointed in grown adults spewing comments like this. This is MY blog, I am a person not just a business, with opinions and thoughts and guess what- I’m allowed them. By the constitution, no less! If you don’t like it, be mature and click the little X in the corner. So immature.
How tolerant of you…
You are absolutely right. It’s not a silver bullet, but we’ve tried doing NOTHING,and that hasn’t worked! ENOUGH IS WELL BEYOND ENOUGH! A multi-pronged approach is necessary, and the banning of automatic weaponry among the populace is a logical starting point. So logical a child could have thought of it. I can think of 20 beautiful children in Connecticut who could advise us- if only they were here.
Thank you for your well-written and heartfelt post Erin! It is hard to think about starting my own family when terribly awful things like this occur in our world. Here is to hoping and praying we can make positive change for Henry and the next generation and put these all too common massacres behind us.
xo
Lost a reader from Texas with your ignorant and uninformed post. Your book is on the way to Goodwill.
Right on! I, too, bought the book after becoming a fan of the blog. I am also taking the book to goodwill. I want an escape NOT political commentary from an admitted uninformed, uninvolved design blogger!
It’s amazing how many of you with an opposing view, which you are allowed to have, have taken to calling me offensive names and saying I’m “uneducated” because my view does not align with yours. Such abhorrent behavior from grown people. Really. It’s so sad. You can oppose my view like a grown up and I would respect that. This kind of behavior is so petty and frankly, not welcome here.
And that is your right, thankfully, in this country. I’m sure there will be someone who will be delighted to find my book at Goodwill.
Very well said. I agree with you completely. No civilian needs to own any kind of assault rifle. Period. There are no reasons to justify that at all. I am former military. I own several handguns and a rifle. I own them because I enjoy target shooting & I keep them for safety reasons. I would not want to give them up. But, again, I agree with your stance completely.
There should be extensive background checks on anyone who purchases any kind of gun. There should be a check every two years on those who purchased guns to ensure that they have not run afoul of the law. If they have, there should be a law to take the guns away until they pass retraining and a good amount of time without getting in trouble with the law. Once you fail the recheck twice though, you should be done – no guns allowed. And once again, NO assault weapons for civilians. You don’t need one to hunt; you don’t need one for home safety and you don’t need one for target practice.
These laws aren’t “attacks on our freedoms or our liberty”. They are common sense and the mark of an evolved society. We obviously aren’t there yet.
There is the argument that making such laws won’t keep assault weapons or even handguns out of the hands of people who obtain them illegally. That’s absolutely true. To counter that we need stricter laws for people who obtain guns illegally and for those who sell them. It still won’t stop the illegal selling & buying but, it would help slow it down. Isn’t any progress better than none at all?
It took courage for you to speak up Erin. I haven’t read any of the other comments yet but if any are not civil – and how could there not be haters or even those who argue to keep their assault rifles even when looking at photos of all those slain first-graders – please hang in there. The only way change comes about is if we speak up. Good luck.
I love this post and the fact that you had the guts to come out and speak on this issue. Katie Couric did an excellent documentary on this exact issue called Under The Gun and I highly recommend everyone watch it. While it focuses on Sandy Hook it still speaks volumes about the issue at hand.
As an aside on this “excellent documentary” – I attend church on the UES w/ Ms. Couric, we regularly sit next to one another at our local mani/pedi salon, and my family knows her well from the neighborhood. I’ve generally been a fan of her career and she has always been kind to my kids. Unfortunately Ms. Couric and the creator of that documentary didn’t adhere to basic journalistic standards of integrity when they edited in 9 seconds of silence where there was none during the interview w/ a gun rights org, in an attempt to make them appear to not have an answer to her question about background checks. Shame she resorted to this tactic which ultimately cast doubt on her personal and professional ethics. If you can’t report honestly, you quickly lose your readers/viewers. But honestly, these days, every journalist has an agenda.
https://www.npr.org/2016/05/26/479655743/manipulative-editing-reflects-poorly-on-couric-and-her-gun-documentary
In a perfect world, yes we need better laws and more gun control. BUT, even if these laws are put in place, we will never escape the black market. The seedy underground world of guns currently exists, and if it is the only way to get weapons fast, I fear more crime. It will be worse than drug trafficking. So yes, better laws for sure, but this will unfortunately not solve the problem. We need strong leaders to come up with strong solutions and stop all this political nonsense.
I agree totally, we need to do so much more than just gun reform. But why makes it easy for them (and LEGAL)? Why not put a couple more roadblocks up? If law abiding citizens can still get guns, why is it so bad to make it a little harder for the bad guys?
As a response to the person that said a mass shooting happens every day in the US
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/national/mass-shootings-in-america/
: in 2015 there were 39 deaths from mass shootings. This is still horrible but the statistics are important to look into.
People killed in mass shootings make up less than half of 1 percent of the people shot to death in the United States. More than half of gun deaths every year are suicides.
wow erin, the pro-gun comments are rife with discord. you presented a sound view as a mother concerned, as a citizen concerned, with a common sense argument against automatic weapons.
the vitriol over an all or nothing stance is disturbing. why are dan and others always so angry?
there is no reason for automatic weapons for citizens, are they concerned that a marauding crowd may enter their home therefore the need for mass weaponry? hand guns are not enough?
if england opened their borders i would go, or canada
Erin, Will you please post any links, information, etc. on how to get involved in an effort to ban assault weapons? Would love to do SOMETHING, aside from calling my local congressman, but don’t want to sift through the 238 comments for ideas… :) THANK YOU and thank you for saying what I’m feeling.
I went on Everytown and donated and contacted my state reps- really easy! https://donate.everytown.org/cms/thanks/support-everytown-act?action_id=24060115&akid=.2269219.ZJtQYd&ar=1&rd=1&total=100.00
The first thing Hitler did when he came to power was to disarm the population. The people had to way to defend themselves against the tyrannical dictator. We have penalty of gun control laws. It has not made a difference except to make us less safe by keeping guns out of the hands of law abiding citizens. I would also like to point out that the gunman was in the club for 3 hours. I don’t think he needed an assault rifle to kill 50 people.
Dear Erin, I totally agree with you but yet not quite because let me give you this perspective. And this is more for your readers. I live in a country where you simply can’t buy ANY weapon not automatic, not any other one unless you are a certified and prooved hunter or a certified and proved security guard or belong to the police or law enforcement. If you want it for protection you need to take a course, have witnesses saying you don’t have mental or behavior problems, you need to go thru a whole ordeal of papers and stuff. Not easy at all. And we simply do not have kids or adults going in to schools and adults or terrorits going in to public places and using those weapons. We simply don’t! We are not obsessed with guns in any way because they are not easy to get and they don’t sell them at Kmart or other supermarket. Most of the kids in this country never even saw one because they are not on window displays. They are not part of our everyday life and that makes a big difference! I have lived in the USA for sometime and part of my family is from Canada and I was always surprised by the fact that in most american neghborhoods people leave doors unlocked and shutters unlocked or homes with no alarm, but then you go out and buy weapons for protection. It just doesn’t make sense. Yes to gun control and as tight as it is in other countries, YES!
As your own President has pointed out, in Australia, after a mass shooting in 1996 there was a recall of guns and a ban on automatic weapons. Nationally, all applicants for gun licences have to prove themselves as fit and proper people. We have not had an incident like the Port Arthur massacre for 20 years. We don’t get how in the USA so many of you believe you are SAFER if you carry guns. Erin, you are so right to speak out on this issue. So many of your fellow citizens need to be made aware of the dangerous power of the gun lobby in the US. My son works in New York and I fear he or his partner could become victims of some deranged person with a gun.
Erin,
Spot on.
Erin – thank you for speaking up and, more importantly, taking action on this important issue!
Thanks for a very thoughtful post; well said, Erin!
Erin, you were doing well in writing about a difficult and polarizing topic and asking commenters to please keep it civil and then you dropped the ball as soon as someone disagreed with you and you called them names, which disappointed me as I was hoping to see some kindness and courtesy in this discussion by your readers. Each commenter is as passionate about their beliefs as you are and I feel they deserve the courtesy of a mature discussion even if the end result is everyone agreeing to disagree. No matter what side you are on, the world we live in today is an ugly world and making it uglier with rudeness and dismissal of opinions that differ is not the answer.
Agreed. This was a great post, and I agree with most of what Erin said. She absolutely has the right to say it without losing followers. However, my experience with this blog, as much as I enjoy it, is that Erin becomes her own worst enemy when on the receiving end of dissenting opinion. :(
I totally agree…why does are opposing views always characterized as hateful and intolerant?
Great post Erin, very well said! I just finished contacting my Representative and State Senators, and I hope others will do the same.
Just want to say how much I vehemently agree! Thank you for writing this.
I don’t understand why fellow American’s don’t ask themselves…..how do countries such as Australia, & the Uk make a total gun ban work. What has this ban done to prevent mass murders and crime in general? A big wake up call for me was when I went to work in Scotland. A work mate asked me why we American’s are so in love with our guns. To be honest, before 2011, I hadn’t thought about such a question. Then other’s in the office chimed in & wanted to know. I felt ashamed. I know the world is watching us in horror. Watching the interviews today after the Orlando Massacre, I don’t know how anyone would not want change? I’m so disheartened why other’s don’t realize that the second amendment was appropriate for the times in which it were written, but our world has drastically changed. The states now are filled with people of diversity . The population in 1791 was 3,929,214, today is 324,014,500. The 2nd amendment was written by men not Gods and when the constitution was written, assault weapons had not even been invented. Hmmmm…!!
I’ve read and enjoyed your blog for years, but never commented. Thank you for being brave and speaking up for what you believe. I completely agree with you.
My heart breaks for the families of the Orlando victims, and every other family that I’m sure feels the keen pain many years later of other attacks. If I thought that some sort of law would prevent these things from happening, that would save another mother from hearing that she would never see her child again, I would be clamoring for immediately, loudly, and insistently. I would hope that we would all agree that no matter which side of the gun debate we fall on, we all fundamentally want the same thing — a safe, free society for everyone. Disagreement happens on how to achieve that. That being said, I would like to offer a few comments; I don’t want to pile on more noiseless words in what has been historically a long and emotional debate (for good reason), but I think it is germane to the issue. Firstly, an AK 15 is the fully automatic rifle that the military uses; fully auto means as long as you are holding the trigger down the bullets will fly. This kind of gun is already illegal for the general public to own. Unfortunately, I suspect it is what comes to mind when people hear the term “assault rifle” (understandably). Semi-auto means you don’t have to cock it before you shoot (like the six-shooters in spaghetti westerns, where the hammer has to be pulled back before the trigger will do anything). A semi-auto weapon will shoot one (just one) bullet for every trigger pull. An AR-15 gets a bad reputation because it looks scary, but it is all cosmetic; it only shoots one bullet at a time, just like many many other guns legal to own. It is no more a true “assault weapon” than other smaller guns. It seems that often little real discussion and empathy happens because differing sides are sometimes discussing different things and don’t realize it.
To present one other point to shed some light on the opposite point of view, the poor people in Orlando and Paris were all stuck for horrifying, terrifying, hours waiting to be rescued — by people with guns. The ultimate problem is the evil in people’s hearts, and nothing and no laws on earth can change that…
If you actually know much about the AR-15 then your comment that “it is no more a true ‘assault weapon’ than other smaller guns” quite frankly seems disingenuous. “Just one” bullet for every trigger pull is a high number for a rifle that will fire a bullet as fast as the operator can pull the trigger and continue firing until the magazine is empty. A person can fire dozens of shots in less than a minute without the need to reload. The shooter in Orlando fired 20 shots in NINE seconds according to SNAPCHAT video taken during the attack. And AR-15’s can be modified to accommodate a magazine holding 100 bullets, as was the case in the Aurora, Colorado movie theatre mass shooting. The original AR-15 was designed by a former Marine for military usage and has been used by the U.S. military in every war since Vietnam. And yet, per Florida law, there was no waiting period for the Orlando shooter when he purchased the AR-15.
Sources and information: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-ar15-gun-used-in-orlando-20160613
https://money.cnn.com/2016/06/13/news/ar-15-assault-rifle/
An AR-15 is a high velocity rifle and those bullets cause a lot more wound/ tissue damage than a hand gun. The survivors most likely will have horrific injuries to deal with. I can’t even imagine.
Stricter gun control laws would certainly help. No, it’s not a cure all, if someone wants a gun they’ll get it but it seems too easy in the US. As a Canadian I support our gun control laws. The USA should study countries with gun control laws and adopt some of their legislation. The level of violence in the USA seems to be increasing at an alarming rate.
Thank you, Erin for sharing your heart and mind with us today, because that is so much of what the evil that took place yesterday was about – stopping us from being free to share what we think, feel and who we are.
What troubles me the most is that everyone goes to choosing a side over gun control. We talk and talk about gun control; who is right and who is wrong. Why WE know who is right and who is wrong. We never get to the national conversation around behavioral health and how we can (need to) leverage health care, education and our school systems to help those children/adolescents who are isolated and falling to the outskirts of society, or adults who have probably needed care since they were quite young, but did not get what they needed. (I get this particular mass murderer was a terrorist, but choosing to be a terrorist brings with it an enormous amount of behavior health issues – at least I would think so, any mental health practitioners reading?)
How do we translate the kind of transparency we are free to show in words via emails, blogs, etc. into civil, face-to-face discussions and real action that has less to do with whether you are a democrat or republican, liberal or conservative, pro-gun, anti-gun or somewhere in between, etc., and more to do with fixing the root cause of violent behavior? I understand we need to also discuss how to address access to the many tools of violence because we can’t control for any one situation, but really, shouldn’t we rally around people before they turn into evil monsters who end up bringing us together to rally around those that they have hurt so badly?
I remember reading an article about the Columbine shooters and how their moms could never have imagined that the sweet newborn faces peering back at them could grow into teens who would one day commit mass murder. The story (may have been in Slate, I can’t remember) spoke of how there were signs – signs their parents were not brave enough to address, or just did not recognize. There was a story right after Newtown called “I’m Adam Lanza’s Mother”. It was about a woman with a son (maybe 11 or 13 years old) so mentally ill that she trained her other children to grab the cell phone and lock themselves in the car to call 911 if their brother started to attack her and how few resources there were to take care of someone so young and so sick. How do we help parents who never could imagined bringing someone so sick into the world and have no idea how to care for their kids, how to protect their kids, and how to protect others from their kids?
Life would be so easy if all it took was love and we eliminated every gun from existence. Then we would only have to rally around a few people who were the unlucky individuals to be stabbed or bludgeoned to death by the sick person, unless of course that sick person googled how to make bomb, decided to barricade the doors of a night club and set a fire, or crash the plane purposely, then we would be back to consoling and mourning the masses – at least then we seem to talk about sickness and don’t hop on a continuum of enthusiastic political debate to verbally beating the heck out of one another for lack of a shared opinion on a topic. I keep asking myself if I felt better when I just thought that 20 souls had been taken? I didn’t. I felt just as bad as when I sat and watched the news conference and realized it was 50. I would feel just as terrible and unsafe as if it had been one. If it could happen to just one, it could happen to me, or to someone I love.
I don’t know if what I feel is right or wrong. If it is even coherent. I am not asking anyone reading to validate or condemn what I think. Just my two cents. I hope that everyone reading finds themselves and those they love happy and safe….we all need to keep special prayers for those who do not. Then, we need to get to work – whatever the work needs to be.
Stephanie,
I recently read Sue Klebold’s book A Mother’s Reckoning. She is the mother of Dylan Klebold, one of the Columbine shooters. The book in no way seeks to defend her son or that horrific tragedy but you’ll be surprised to learn that her son did not show the same signs as someone like Adam Lanza did. He had friends, played on sports teams, etc. His parents did not fear him in any way. I would highly recommend the book (if you purchase it, I believe all proceeds go to charity).
Really helpful viewpoint, and I think well stated considering how emotional we can get over such things.
I am Canadian and have lived here for 10 years. My son (and soon to be second son) are American. I struggle (along with most Canadians) so much to understand the other side of the gun control issue. The facts are so apparent. I keep hoping that change will occur so that this is a place my family and I can continue to call home.
I applaud anyone who speaks up on the issue as many of the unfortunate comments on this blog prove why it is so difficult to have a voice. I have mostly stayed silent as I felt that perhaps as a non-American is it something I just simply can’t understand.
It is so sad to see that a tragic event has only served to spur a debate on whether it’s a gun control issue versus a radical islam issue. It is both. Please Americans I urge (beg?) you to see what is so obvious to the rest of the developed world.
Erin and everybody, there is an organization, founded by the families of victims, organizing to push for change. Check out Moms Demand Action at https://everytown.org
If you support gun control activism and want to get involved, consider donating time, money, or both. But get involved! And keep in mind, there are a lot of senators and house reps up for election this year: make your opinion heard with your votes.
Yes, voice your concern with your VOTE! And join/follow/donate to Moms Demand Action. It seriously alarms me that my children are growing up in a country where they are so likely to be victims of gun violence. It is shocking how guns are EVERYWHERE these days (literally — my state of GA passed “guns everywhere” legislation last year). Growing up, the only guns I saw were hunting guns (my Dad). Now, I live in a neighborhood with million-dollar plus homes and my neighbor two doors down had to call 911 on Saturday afternoon because he heard gunshots coming from the backyard of the home across the street (rented to college students who were having a weekend-long party, ugh).
Donated today!
Just donated
Me too! Great link.
Thanks for posting this Erin. With two small kids, every time another shooting happens, I think of Sandy Hook and those poor babies that were killed. And honestly if that had been my child and I had to watch as our government just said ‘hey, status quo is totally fine”, i don’t think I could survive it.
Letting radical extremists on FBI watch lists buy guns is horrifying and we need to do something about it. We need to stop the hate against one another, especially in our politics, and work together to speak up instead of sitting by watching this happen again and again.
Here’s the names of the senators who voted against those on terror watch lists going through a background check to buy a gun (scroll to bottom). If we can’t pass a law like the below, we need to seriously consider what our politicians are doing for us in Washington and who they are protecting.
https://uproxx.com/news/obama-predicted-orlando-shooting/2/
More sources on the issue:
https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/gop-blocks-bill-stop-terrorists-buying-guns
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2015/12/03/senate-democrats-to-force-gun-control-votes-in-the-wake-of-the-san-bernardino-shooting/
https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/262030-senate-blocks-tying-gun-fight-to-obamacare-repeal
I looked at pictures of all the little faces after Sandy Hook slaughter. Shy little boys, impish little girls, smiling magnificent babies. I see their faces to this day and think of the moms and dads. We are not great, America is not great
No amount of gun control will stop such attacks. This attacker had a security worker special permit that is one below that of law enforcement. He would have had a gun even if we had a ban equivalent to the total ban in Australia.
And get your facts straight. This was not an automatic military weapon. It was a civilian semi-automatic that is less powerful than most hunting rifles.
Attacks like this do happen in countries with bans. France has a ban and the Paris attacks happened anyway.
My freedom and birthright as an American, guaranteed by the second amendment, is more important than your false truths based fears. If ISIS attacks cause us to give up our freedoms, they will have won. When they have 300,000 operatives here instead of 3000, you will wish more Americans were armed.
The only danger to our freedom more dangerous than ISIS right now are the ignorant, fear based voters like many posting here. You want to live where guns are banned, go to England, France, or Australia.
Until the non-radical part of the Muslim community steps up and stomps out the radicals in their community, we are going to have these issues. If they are silent, they are complicit. When they are accelerated and supported by a weak and sympathetic administration, the radicals are emboldened and our government is complicit. If you voted for Obama, you own some responsibility for these attacks. You are more responsible than the NRA. Wake up. End gun free zones and let Americans be the strong and right minded people of our heritage. Keep giving up freedoms and trying to adapt to and appease radicals and you will drag us all down.
A radicalized US citizen, encouraged by a strengthening ISIS, used a gun as a weapon. Others will choose vehicles, explosives, and many other means. Focusing on the gun is focusing in the wrong place. If those who wanted to have a firearm were allowed to do so at that club, there would likely have been three our four people able and willing to stop him in the first minutes of the attack. It happens several times each year, but you never hear of those events because it does not fit the liberal narrative supported by the popular media. The easiest way to diminish the frequency and effectiveness of such attacks is to allow free Americans to exercise their right of self defense with a firearm. Not everyone will want to, and they are free to make that choice. Leave the others free to make the choice to take effective action.
This says about all I need to say on the topic of more guns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abwqlggNsNI.
And a list of 12 mass shootings stopped by good guys with guns? How about this list of 11 children killed by gun accidents just in the first week of 2016 https://www.thetrace.org/2016/01/accidental-shootings-kid-gun/. The body count is too high.
An off-duty police officer arrived within approximately 2 minutes of the Orlando shooter opening fire (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/06/12/us/what-happened-at-the-orlando-nightclub-shooting.html). This led to a gun battle where the police department admits some may have been killed by friendly fire, and also precipitated the hostage situation. And that’s a trained officer. But yeah, let’s have more civilians armed to the teeth dancing in nightclubs. WHAT COULD GO WRONG. https://www.armedwithreason.com/more-guns-more-crime-yet-another-study-debunking-the-myth/.
Dan,
Thank you for your promotion of the testosterone culture. I, for one, am sick of it. There is a better way. And while Erin’s facts may be slightly off, if one had the ability to look beyond, one would see she is searching for a better way. The rhetoric and the hysteria that the gun lobby promotes just gives credence that it is “ok” to pick up your gun when you are “out of sorts”. I don’t hear any conversation from the gun lobby condemning these actions, marketing the huge resposibility that the cherished freedom of gun ownership entails. This kind of conversation should be o TV commercials hourly. While I agree, that not all tragedies will be prevented, a new conversation will help immensely.
Oh please..so having more guns is going to protect us ….you make absolutely no sense.
Funny that Dan thinks that he doesn’t “read anything from the NRA” and he thinks they’re an elected group of citizens more representative than the government. IF you’ve read any pro-gun legislation, it’s most likely written by the NRA and not by the actual legislature proposing it. If you’re read Trump’s policy, you’re read something by the NRA. They represent gun manufacturers, not the majority of gun owners.
Actually Dan, there was a “good guy with a gun” (handgun) and he couldn’t stop the shooter, per the news. Police with a weapon of equal caliber to the shooters stopped him. So unless you plan on going out to dinner with a AR-15 thrown over your shoulder and want us all to be able to strut around with semi-automatic rifles on our person at all times- your argument doesn’t have legs. If he were not LEGALLY able to buy this type of gun he may have used a handgun instead (just as awful, but less casualties), and then YES, a good guy with a gun like his, that shoots bullets at the same rate, may have actually been able to stop him. As I said, I am not asking to take everyone’s guns, upstanding citizens absolutely have the right to arm themselves with reasonable weapons, just this one type of gun that no one needs- they either want as a toy to play with or to cause harm. It’s just common sense.
Who stopped the attack? A good guy with a gun. Not every good guy with a gun is a cop. You make no sense and live in a fantasy land.
It’s sad to me that people like Don — who loyally regurgitate all the absurdities perpetuated by the NRA — can’t see how badly they have been played by an organization whose entire purpose is to SELL MORE GUNS so that gun manufacturers can MAKE MORE MONEY. Every time the NRA hooks someone new with their fear mongering, another gun is purchased. Exercise your “freedom and birthright as an American” to think critically about the issue rather than blindly pledging allegiance to financially-motivated scare tactics.
Amen….Ali!
Dan, you are naive or living in fantasy land if you don’t understand who the NRA really is.
I am not regurgitating NRA. I live this. I do not read anything from the NRA. I think for myself. Who the hell do you think makes up the NRA. They are not some evil, out of control organization. They are elected from a group of citizens who choose to be members, contribute, and work to advance rights and interests. They are more representative than the government.
*Dan … sorry.
Just out of curiosity, do you read this blog regularly?
I’ve read your blog occasionally, I enjoy decorating, fashion, and am also a member of the NRA. Not a right wing crazy, just a concerned citizen who respects our constitutional right to bear arms to protect ourselves. A police state run by the NRA? I think we need to be much more fearful of a police state run by the current administration.
Erin I was wondering the same thing!! ;)
As for this issue at hand, I am absolutely flummoxed that people continue to hide behind the veil of the second amendment and are so disillusioned by the power of dark money and public officials propelling this agenda. If anyone thinks that the precious second amendment is really at stake here , is living in a world driven by rhetoric and small minded pundits. It is a preposterous assumption that American rights would be taken away because there are those of us that choose to believe that preventing deaths on a massive scale trumps the belief that assault weapons should be readily available. Does anyone have a problem with the fact that we aren’t exposed to cigarette smoke on airplanes? Does anyone oppose seat belt laws that save human lives every day? These are directives set forth in the name of the public good. This is a public health issue on a trajectory that is completely out of control . It deserves and demands aggressive intervention. I am beyond floored that people cannot recognize that this is not about rights, but the value of human life. A lot of changes need to be made… Acknowledgment of a massive problem , mental health resources, radicalized people that are flagged as threats .. And yes guns that can mow down people in the blink of an eye. The everlasting damage and potential for the degradation of a healthy young person to a sick and mentally disturbed person because of sustaining and watching and enduring traumas like these, is far more reaching than regulating the ability to purchase an AR15.
Yet again- did I say ban guns entirely? Nope. Every single person who has commented here opposing my view has clearly not even read what I wrote because you all have taken the tone that I said “no guns for anyone”. You just see that I am not pro-gun and go on a tirade without even considering my actual stance. Which shows how thoughtless your opinion is! Why would any civilian need an AR-15? Really, I want to know.
I don’t own firearms and don’t really know much about them so I’ve been trying to open mindedly come to some sort of understanding. I too wonder why does anyone need one? So with a hopefully unbiased view I’ve asked people that are gun owners and NRA members. I’ve been told that an AR-15 holds 30 to 35 rounds and that a standard rifle holds 7 rounds. So hunting in my opinion is not a legitimate reason to own one as I don’t believe it takes 35 bullets to bring down a deer. The response I’ve heard is that people seem to use them for fun at target ranges and target shooting. I’ve been told there could likely be millions of AR-15’s out there and they are like the iphones of rifles. That scared the hell out me because I realized they’re everywhere. I also asked about hand guns and was told those hold generally a max of 10 rounds. So now I have a question in my mind about protecting myself. Wouldn’t I be able to protect myself just as well with a weapon that holds 10 rounds vs. 30 rounds? Even after talking to people and trying to understand both sides of the issue, I still can’t wrap my head around why anyone needs to have the ability to fire 35 rounds until that clip is empty?
An AR 15 is a platform or pattern of gun with many uses. They are common for home defense, hunting, and competitive shooting. Just last week a teenager defended himself in his home from two armed attackers with an AR 15. By the way, the Orlando shooter did not use an AR15, but a different style rifle in the same caliber.
The AR-15 rifle has been sold to private citizens since the late 1960s – roughly 50 years of private possession. The external cosmetics – stocks, sights, et cetera – have evolved but mechanically it is identical. It’s nothing new or exotic.
According to the ATF’s manufacturers’ report, close to a one million AR15 rifles were produced in 2012 (I haven’t found a more recent summary). This wasn’t a much larger number than prior years, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation was estimating 5,000,000 ARs in private circulation in 2014.
In the last five years, rifles – ALL rifles, not just ARs – have comprised fewer than 300 murders out of almost 9,000 homicides. They are not “the weapon of choice” of criminals by any means.
The Orlando terrorist passed multiple background checks to get his “G”-class carry license. He passed a background check to buy his firearms.
Hand guns are a DEFENSIVE weapon. They can not penetrate body armor. Assult riffles are used offensively. Criminals choose these riffles because they are effective. If one wanted to defend or protect themselves against someone with a riffle, then it must be met with the same force.
Also, it is worth noting that ONE person was able to shoot freely and kill so many in a bar with hundreds of people with NO resistance except for when police arrived.
No civilian NEEDS a semi-automatic or automatic weapon. At all. I really believe that we’re so dedicated to individual rights in our country (which is a positive, I hope) that there’s a certain amount of paralysis on pushing these issues through. And I am not aware of the power the NRA is wielding with lobbyists, etc. so I can’t speak to that.
I totally believe civilians can own guns if they so choose. For protection of themselves and others. Not for obscene crimes. And really, nobody needs weaponry of the grade you’re asking about to defend themselves or those around them unless they’re in a war zone.
I’m a republican, we own guns. So I think I might be the kind of person you want to hear from, and on that point I say I back you up. We don’t need that grade of weaponry for personal defense. And while I’d be pissed if the second amendment were horribly altered to completely disallow personal gun ownership, I’m all for more stringent checks, more expensive measures to buy weapons, and less or no access to semi-automatic/automatic weaponry. Nobody should own that kind of gun for a rainy day.
Could you provide examples of such events you describe as “occurring several times each year”?
https://controversialtimes.com/issues/constitutional-rights/12-times-mass-shootings-were-stopped-by-good-guys-with-guns/
Not an exhaustive list, but many good examples.
I’d like to make one thing clear about gun free zones. Bush signed that bill into law, ok not a democrat. The rhetoric for the pro-gun today has jumped on this issue and you are falling right in line. There are articles all over the internet on it today, and frankly for years by the NRA.
The facts are this: Among the 62 mass shootings over the past 30 years that were studied, not a single case includes evidence that the killer chose to target a place because it banned guns. This includes schools, most shootings were because of personal ties with the place that was attacked, either because it was their former workplace or school. What’s more most of the people involved in the shootings committed suicide, so staying alive was not the reason they chose those locales. Shooting at a gun range does not equip you to respond appropriately when under attack by an active shooter and I doubt very much that trained police would have to worry about people who are trying to “help” getting in their way.
Frankly to worry about these things to such an extreme is more about paranoia then reality. This guy was afraid of gay people and apparently had mental health issues, so to conclude that he was actually working on behalf of ISIS and not just saying that of his own volition is a bit of a leap at this point. He hated the LGBT community so he targeted them, that has nothing to do with the fact that it was a “gun free zone.” That is a red herring. And we still don’t know if anyone in there was carrying. The officer inside himself had said that it was too much too fast. What about the fact that they refused to sell him body armor? That allowed the police to shoot him! That prevented him from killing more before he was stopped. It’s the same principle.
I think what people don’t understand is that we are not “out to take your guns.” We all want to be safe and want these events to stop. The issue is that we have been doing the same thing with guns FOR YEARS and yet there has been an outright refusal to try anything new. You can nit pick every event all you want, but the statistics just don’t back you up.
First of all I do throw pillows around and enjoy some good house porn, but in my real life I am an attorney who has worked with law enforcement and now work with vets, so stick it where the sun don’t shine.
It sounds to me like you have some kind of law enforcement background so I get and can respect that lifestyle. There are lots of people who aren’t living that life, I can respect both. Hey I would love to ban then all, but I’m a reasonable person ok, I want some common ground so that I don’t have to worry about my kids getting murdered at school. Do I want them to walk by a school officer draped with a gun they only see on video games or their confused music teacher to have a gun in his desk? Hell no. I don’t want any guns, but I am willing to compromise that belief for those who refuse to give them up. It’s fundamental principle of living in any type of cohesive community. We compromise in relationships all the time, why can’t we apply that to this? You keep pointing to specific examples, but if we have an overall policy that is different, things could be different. We have never tried. He may have fallen through the no fly gun ban, that is true, but if that weapon was banned, he would not have it, so touche- I could do this all day. It is the bigger picture I am asking for movement on. What I am saying to you is I am willing to hear you out – what I hear from your end of the argument is I refuse to consider anyone else’s point of view and will reject any compromise no matter what.
Not out to take the guns…ban is a word thrown around here more than you like to throw pillows around.
The Aurora theater shooter had a choice a 12 theaters near his home. He chose the one farthest away. It was the only onexception that had a gun free policy.
Erin,
I have shared your post on my Facebook feed and want to thank you for this well reasoned, articulate description of your position on gun control. I could not agree with you more and want to say BRAVO!!!! I have always voted for candidates who support the reasonable gun restrictions that you describe here but it has long been clear that that is not enough. After this weekend, I feel like I will have blood on my own hands if I do not do more than that. Starting immediately, I plan to make financial contributions to organizations like the one founded by Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly and to volunteer my time to the campaigns of candidates in support of a ban on assault weapons, background checks and waiting periods. THIS HAS GOT TO STOP.
Thanks for acknowledging this tragedy and contributing to the change. I live a mile from the club and my worst fear now is that absolutely nothing will change after my town was torn apart. What you don’t see on the news is this is a quiet residential area of downtown. The club is off a side street next to old Florida houses, cobblestone streets, and Spanish moss covered oaks. The horror story doesn’t makes sense here. It doesn’t feel real. It’s no longer safe to walk out my front door in this peaceful area. If it can happen in my neighborhood, it can happen anywhere.
If you feel safe walking out your front door, can you honestly imagine what it would be like for that to be ripped away? My biggest worry now is that people will stop talking about this before some change happens.
Thanks from Orlando.
When you walk into a room filled with elephants, it’s amazing how many people will choose to see only one.
Love this Erin! Well written and thank you for writing.
The only point that I haven’t seen so far is that the NRA is funded by the very companies that sell these weapons. Of course it’s in their best interest to do everything they can to keep them available to the public. It’s like RJR Reynolds being a lobbyist for public health. It’s purely about corporate money – not individuals’ rights.
Erin, thank you for having the incredible courage to speak out in such a public fashion. I, like many mothers, agree with you. The one thing we all can do is VOTE OUT the candidates who will not agree to vote for background checks, licenses and education being part of buying any gun. It doesn’t matter what name is attached to this kind of mass violence – this really has nothing to do with “radical Islam”. Remember, the guy who pulled the trigger in Sandy Hook wasn’t a terrorist. This is about banning assault weapons and creating and passing sane, reasonable laws similar to the laws that require one to be appropriately educated and licensed prior to driving a car.
Preach Erin!! You are so brave to speak up and know that there are so many who agree with you and absolutely hate living in an NRA police state!
That is a misnomer. A “police state” is what the Second Amendment seeks to prevent – a state in which only the police and law enforcement have weapons, therefore controlling the masses. The NRA promotes legal gun ownership among citizens.
Exactly Shannon. I stand by my comment. The NRA is controlling the nature of our society just as surely as if it was the government.
The majority of the people in this country support stricter gun control laws according to all polls. But because of the stranglehold that the NRA has on our representatives we cannot get these laws passed. It may not be a police state, but it is definitely not democracy.
Did the gun pick itself up and shoot 48 people? Nope. Radical islam did that. Yes, radical Islam, a phrase the president can’t bring himself to say. Dangerous to this country besides radical islam are leftists who refuse to call it what it is. They protest and get people fired for not making a gay wedding cake and protest Chik-fil-A because the owner doesn’t believe in gay marriage but now blames guns, the Right, Christians and even white males instead of radical islam for this tragic massacre.
You think criminals won’t get their hands on illegal guns? This guy was interviewed two times by the FBI but because of leftists and this PC world we live in a radical muslim had no problem getting guns. Even his bosses did nothing about his behavior.
Living in NYC, I just spent the past six months jumping through hoops getting my gun license. Due to the f*cked up world we live in lately and DeBlasio bringing us back to the 70’s I want a gun to protect my family. Step into my home and we will shoot to protect our family as any rational person would. We could be raped or murdered by the time a cop arrived. I and every other legal gun owner are not the problem. But it’s easier for liberals to blame an inanimate object instead of radical islam and or mental illness.
Every newspaper/agency in Europe blamed radical islam. The majority in the US, guns. The terrorist called 911 for gods sake and said why he was doing it and the left blames those mentioned above. Until some in this country recognize who the problems are, nothing will be accomplished.
But he didn’t spend the past six months jumping through hoops to get his gun license like you did and that is the problem
Again, that is what I said. The FBI gave him a free pass. He even worked at a London based security firm of all places.
Lorrie, you are misinformed about the cause of gun violence in general. Case in point:
“Did the gun pick itself up and shoot 48 people? Nope. Radical islam did that” – this shooter was born and raised in the USA. This particular shooter may have been radicalized, but guess what? The Newtown, Aurora, and VTech shooters, to name just a few of the other largest massacres in the United States, were sad and pathetic white dudes with no ties to Islam. Blaming Islam is convenient and in some limited cases appropriate, but SO IS blaming the availability of semi-automatic weapons that were used in ALL the above named cases. The common link across all mass shootings is access to guns.
“This guy was interviewed two times by the FBI but because of leftists and this PC world we live in a radical muslim had no problem getting guns” – Please, please PLEASE educate yourself. Read the news, and read it from sources other than FOX news. Because in fact, LEFTISTS are *NOT* the reason that people on the no fly list can buy guns. That is a direct result of RIGHT WING politicians and Republicans in general. It is shocking and sad that someone can actually be this misinformed about current events. Get your head out of the sand please.
“Every newspaper/agency in Europe blamed radical islam” – Not really. I speak French, so I just pulled up the websites of the two largest French newspapers and skimmed the articles. They discussed that he had been radicalized to the same extent as it is being covered in our news. Europeans in general are flummoxed as to how and why citizens in the USA feel the need to have access to semi-automatic weapons.
@Jill:
Nope, wrong again. Facts are facts. Every single Republican in congress except for ONE voted against barring those on the No Fly list from buying firearms. See here:
https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&session=1&vote=00319
Citing facts doesn’t amount to “going off the rails” or “demagoguery,” whether you like what those facts are or not.
You misspelled FAUX News.
And there it goes…… blaming “right wingers” and the Republican party. This is where you go off the rails and lose any meaningful dialog by inserting demagoguery.
I completely disagree with every word you said. We need less guns not more.
Lorrie, your polarizing condescension is as infuriating as it is uninformed. To be sure the shooter in Orlando was a terrorist who was responsible for a horrific hate crime. He was a US citizen, born in NY and pledged allegiance to ISIS but acted as a lone wolf in perpetrating this crime. We happen to live in an age where we actually live among American ISIS sympathizers who are inspired by its message and are not at all tied directly to the ISIS organization. He was investigated by the FBI and was still able to LEGALLY purchase an assault rifle and bring it into a crowded bar resulting in what is being called as the worst mass shooting on US soil. Anyone on a “no fly” list or who are actively being investigated by FBI should not have the ability to LEGALLY obtain a gun per US law. Period. Your rant has provided a lot of finger pointing, but not one solution to gun violence. If you can’t offer a common sense solution, then you are complicit in perpetuating the problem.
Maura;
Uninformed? Not quite. Yes, I know he was born in NY. So far as the facts have come out he was not a lone wolf as you claim as his wife knew of his plans of the massacre and even drove him to get the ammo and to the club previously. He sold his 100K house to his uncle for $100.00. Hmm, wonder why he did that. All the info has not come out yet but maybe they can check with you since you’re positive he’s a lone wolf and has no ties to isis. And yes, as I said, he was investigated by the FBI but they took him off their terror watch list as they felt he was not a threat.(did the same with the other two terrorist attackers) Disney warned the FBI of this guy and his wife in April and nothing was done. They did not interview the wife, ex-wife or any relatives.
FYI the worst mass shooting in US history was the Wounded Knee massacre.
Yep, agree about anyone being actively investigated by the FBI should not have the ability to legally obtain a gun or run for president for that matter.
Yes, all legal gun owners are “perpetuating the problem”. Must be nice living in that bubble where you don’t have to worry about the real problem. This case is not a gun violence issue but a radical muslim issue. There are plenty of gun restrictions in place. A radical muslim terrorist wants a gun, he’ll get one no matter how many restrictions there are. 9/11, no guns. Boston marathon, no guns. Paris, strict gun laws etc etc. Look at Chicago, they have strict gun control and more violence than any of these war zones.
this.
Very well put!
https://uproxx.com/news/obama-predicted-orlando-shooting/
Do you own an assault rifle? If so, why? If not, why not?
Do you think your neighbors need to own an assault rifle? What would you use it for?
I agree with Erin that no one wants to take people’s hunting rifle or personal handguns away from them. I would just like to understand why a person would be so offended by the suggestion that regular people have no need for an assault rifle. No bad vibes meant. I truly would like to know.
P.s. I think this way all the time, not just after a shooting occurs.
Bravo Lorrie!!! Very well said!
Thank you Leanne
I appreciate this post and the thoughtful and respectful comments on both sides of the issue. I’m not sure why some people felt the need to jump into petty attacks and ridiculous “I feel sad for you” type comments when sharing their opinions. Erin opened this up for discussion and you can share your own opinion nicely without attacking her personally.
On the topic of feeling sad, I feel sad that I can’t travel or go to a movie with my kids or send them off to school without worrying about one or all of us being shot and killed with an assault rifle that we have no chance of escaping…
I’m also not sure why some people hear “gun control” and act like the military is going to come to their door and take all of their guns and ban them all forever. Why can’t we talk about ways to fix *one* piece of the puzzle without the rush to the extremes?
Even as a moderately conservative (on some issues) person and former Texan who has more friends with guns than without….I agree that it would be nice to at least consider some common sense restrictions like those you have brought up. I agree it is absolutely ridiculous that a person could be under FBI investigation and easily purchase weapons that could kill this many people this quickly.
Again, thanks for bringing this up for discussion and sharing your views (very non-anonymously)! I wish everyone could participate like adults because it does benefit all of us to come up with solutions that would keep us all safe.
Well said Erin. I know it’s not good blog practice to talk about such a hot button issue, so thank you for your comments. I’m hoping if enough people of sensible purpose join together we can at last say “enough”.
Erin, First time on the Blog; But like you Feel it is time to talk and not stay so courteously silent as
though nothing in our world has changed. It Did change. On 9/11 our nation was attacked on our soil. There is a very specific group of violent individuals who hate America and all of us. They care not for our political bantering regarding gun control. My personal choice is I hate them. However,
I do believe in the 2nd amendment AND that the bad guys will ALWAYS LAY HANDS ON the weapon of
destruction due to hate. Also, I am SOOO weary of the politicalization of each of these horrific crimes. Bottom line. We need to join together as Americans and realize we have an enemy.
Assault weapons? no sense at all. But our policies to issue guns really need changing. United.
Thank you Erin, for being a brave American. I too, have two sons. We all know it could occur anywhere. We need to work together. Evil does not care left or right only snuffed out.
I have read this blog for years…. probably since you started blogging! I’ve always appreciated your willingness to speak up on issues you feel matter. You do have a platform to do so from, and people will see what you say.
I also wouldn’t say I disagree with you. Regarding such issues in general – One thing that bothers me (besides tremendous loss of human life!) about shootings or such events, of any kind, is that I think the quickness with which we call for gun control, or cry hate crime, etc. is that we present one solution that will not eradicate the issue. It feels like a way to placate ourselves when we’re subject to evil. Do I have answers? No. But for many, many years this kind of gun violence is steadily increasing. And as you said, Erin, many of us feel we have no voice in how to help these matters.
My solution-less gut feeling is just that saying one thing, such as gun-control, is the crux of solving the dilemma is one dimensional and putting too much hope in one thing to solve a massive issue. Maybe we need to start teaching kids the value of human lives in schools. Tamping down on those things (TV, video games too… which my kids play!) which desensitize us all to violence.
But in the land of the free and the home of the brave we hold individual rights so highly that it is truly difficult to dole out measures that ultimately would make the United States be less about the individual and more about the whole. Maybe we need that. Who knows.
P.S. Pretty cool that you husband reads your posts, comments, and replies to comments as well. Way to go, Andrew.
The second amendment says NOTHING about hunting or protecting your home. It’s time we stop using it as an excuse for gun ownership. If that’s the standard, then let’s obey as intended. We have a military to protect us so we don’t need a militia. That means it’s effectively moot.
Well, the citizens are to have a militia to protect them from their government.
It may not be THE answer, but gun control is at least a start.
Thank you! How are these acts of violence perpetrated? Guns.
Erin, I couldn’t agree with you more. As a mother to a 14-month old precious little boy and another baby on the way, these types of events impact more and more each day. I want my children to grow up in a world that’s as safe as it can be. My family hunts waterfall and small animals. I don’t want to take away all guns from everyone, but there are certain common-sense solutions that must be put in place. I feel so helpless when it comes to this issue – unsure of how to make an impact. I do financially support Gabby Giffords organization, Americans for Responsible Solutions. She’s determined to take on the gun lobbyists and I can’t imagine a woman better suited for that job.
Thank you for putting yourself out there and using your blog to inspire action. All the best to you, Andrew and that adorable little boy of yours.
Love this. So eloquently said. Kudos Erin x
I know banning assault weapons will not stop killings or shootings but we have to start somewhere. I do believe our government has to do things that certain interest groups don’t like but to bad. We can’t be this angry as a society and be able to go out and buy weapons in a few hours and use them that night.
Why should it takes weeks for me to get a passport or global entry to travel but no time at all to buy a weapon?
After one person tried to blow up a plane with a shoe bomb we all have to take off our shoes at security, why can’t we have that with guns?
It is just crazy that you can’t go to a movie, school, a concert or a night club without worrying about getting shot.
If you are that angry at the world, do something to change it for the better. If you can’t do that take care of yourself but don’t take anyone with you.
I agree 100% with Erin. And have and will consistently vote and contribute to politicians that support sensible gun control. But every parent whatever their view on guns needs to do more. When my daughter was three, I was sitting with my friend and neighbor when she complained that the babysitter had taken her husband’s loaded gun out of the nightstand- so she was not going to be able to use that babysitter again. This was a college educated woman whose husband was a United States Postal Inspector, and that was his service weapon. She had a one and a two year old in the house. Do not let your children go to anyone’s house without knowing what the gun situation is . And do not assume that everyone sees gun safety the same way you do. Keep your children safe.
Bravo, Erin!!!
I agree with you. I do not understand why any civilian has the RIGHT to these types of guns.
If you are on a no fly list, you should be on a no gun list. How is that controversial?
I know many people think their votes don’t count, they do. Vote ! Vote at the state and local levels too. Check to see how your representative has voted on this issue and others that are important to you.
Nobody is taking away the right to bear arms. We need some darn common sense. I’m an American who lives overseas. The level of gun violence in America is outrageous. Schools, churches, discos, movie theaters, is nowhere safe?
Erin, I absolutely agree with you, and most moms I know agree with your stance as well. Maybe we should let moms make the laws! Seriously though–we’ve had two expat assignments where guns are restricted; in the case of one country, not totally restricted as all men who served in the military may keep their personal firearm for the defense of the country but they are not for sale to the general public. Guess what? Very little, almost nonexistent crime in both countries. Certainly very little violent crime. No armed robberies, no home invasions, no car jackings. Imagine it!
Beautifully and perfectly written. I hope your message reaches far and wide and that our world becomes a safer place for your children and mine.
Thank you for this post Erin. There are more people for the sensible gun restrictions you call for than there are against. The problem unequivocally lies with the NRA who pours so much money into Republican (and a few Senate Dem – looking at you Manchin in WV) campaigns that they are beholden to them for fear that they will face a primary challenger. The only hope we have is for our voices to match our votes on Election Day – EVERY Election Day. If everyone who cared about this went to the polls and voted out these horrible people who care more about their job security than they do about OUR security we might be ale to get some legislation passed one day.
Erin, I wholeheartedly agree with you and I am at a loss of why our country sits by and does nothing. I donate to Moms Against Guns and will contribute to an organization that seems to be able to make a dent in this fight. I worry about the safety of my family, community and where this will happen next. Because it will continue to happen. No one seems to be able to stop the NRA choke hold. I don’t like guns but agree with you that if people want a gun, fine. Learn how to use it. Be responsible. But there is no need for civilian to own assault weapons. None. Thank you for contributing to the conversation. I hope that as the conversation gets louder our government is pressured to actually do something to turn this around.
EXACTLY!!! Perfectly said.
Thank you Erin for allowing your readers to share our views beyond lifestyle and shelter trends. It’s interesting because since we read your blog we already know we agree on at least one thing. We love and enjoy your blog! That being the case, I would like to respectfully share my thoughts.
To my understanding, there are many gun owners who are proponents of gun control and/or sensible revisions to gun control. There is no need for domestic ownership of any variation of automatic weapons. I am not a proponent of any type of killing but mass killing is simply not possible without the use of semi or fully automatic weapons. I am interested to learn how prohibiting ownership of semi or fully automatic weapons is an infringement of ones rights when one could theoretically or possibly still own a gun.
You articulated my thoughts and feelings exactually. There need to be a change to gun policies in this country. Erin, thank you for sharing!
Keep talking about things you actually know about. It’s not an AK-15. There are AR-15s and AK-47s. There’s a difference. There are also plenty of responsible AR owners. Many of them support background checks and other protective measures. A ban on automatic weapons won’t change anything as criminals will still get weapons by whatever measures necessary, look at Chicago.
Do Loubs and Gucci bags kill anyone? Nope. Your argument is exactly the problem. Give me my toys, even if it means tons of people die so I can play with them. Infuriating.
Dear “YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE”: that’s a very creative name. I’m sorry you aren’t brave enough in your convictions to actually sign your real name. That action says more than you will ever know. Why do you have the right to own a product that was designed for no other purpose than to kill many people quickly? Why? I want to see an intelligent, well thought out argument for why you have a right to own such a thing. Thank you Erin for opening the debate –I am so tired of being quiet about this.
It is infuriating, but I do appreciate that he or she is responding. But I would ask this person to consider what it would be like if they could no longer have these particular types of guns, but lots of other types. Could you consider living with that as a compromise? Isn’t that fair?
I don’t understand what your point is. Can you explain to me what you need these weapons for? Honestly. I don’t understand this. What difference does it make what “kind” of automatic weapon it is? The assault weapons ban helped. No one thinks that the laws are going to stop every singe nutcase, but why not even try? Can you tell me why you need these types of guns? Would you say the same to the parents of these people who were just slaughtered? I’m asking seriously. How can we just do nothing at all? We live in a society where everyone lives, common ground has to exist for a society to work well. Why are you saying no?
This is not about need, it’s about people having the right to own one. It’s the same with a car, boat, Gucci bag, or Loubs, anything someone owns. No one needs those things, but if they want them they should be able to buy them.
I could not agree with you more, Erin! I have two young children and I really struggled to be present for them yesterday amidst this terrible news. It was a beautiful, sunny day so I took them to the park, and while watching them laugh and play I felt so me unspeakably sad knowing that I can only shield them from the evil in this world for so much longer. I keep thinking one of these mass shootings will be a watershed event but they just keep happening. But I’m still holding out hope that we’ll come to our senses and I give money to Everytown for Gun Safety and vote for candidates in favor of common sense gun laws.
agree! agree! agree!!
my brother just wrote such a well thought blog on ammending the 2nd ammendm
ent – https://duckfatandpolitics.blogspot.com/2016/06/making-amends.html
I couldn’t agree more, Erin. As a mother of 2 small children, we need a change in this country. The question is, how to effect one? Will look at the petition listed.
Thanks for this post.
Amen, sister. As a mother of a young son, I too am enraged at the fact that no policy changes have been made. It’s simply ridiculous. Do we need to fire every last member of Congress? Ugh!!!!!
I’ve had enough of this ignorance. The bad guys will always have guns while the rest of us will be left defenseless. Taking away the guns will never solve the problem they will only worsen the problem. It’s time for people to wise up and educate themselves on gun safety. I carry so that I’m not a sitting duck when something like this occurs . I’ve grown up around guns and know proper gun handling and gun safety. As a U.S. citizen, I have a right to defend myself. When Hillary is elected and elects liberal supreme court justices, you can kiss the 2nd amendment goodbye. That will be in the end of our freedom as we know it. We will be left defenseless against our already too powerful government. I’m no longer looking at your stupid, ignorant blog. I’m sure you just lost half of your viewers for the same reason you just lost me – getting too political.
Obama did not take away your guns or destroy the 2nd amendment. Clinton wants to expand background checks and ban assault weapons, not ban everyone’s right to own arms. Don’t let Trump’s lies fool you…she never said she would do away with 2nd amendment. Trump’s policy is to put NO restrictions on the type of weapon or magazine you can own, and to not expand background checks, and to establish a national concealed weapon license (now it’s a state license). Their policies are laid out on their respective websites for all to see.
Funny…..you’re worried about the 2nd amendment but then attack Erin’s right to exercise her 1st Amendment rights. Ignorance is belittling those who don’t agree with you. Sounds to me like you only want freedom for those who think like you do.
We can only hope to kiss the 2nd amendment goodbye. I’m so tired of hearing your talking points.
Let me be more specific… The bad guys will always have assault weapons – plain and simple. No amount of gun control can help that issue. I honestly believe that gun free zones should require armed officers to keep people safe who have no way of defending themselves. Once the government takes away assault rifles and some crazy goes out and kills a few people with a handgun, they’ll be screaming to take away our hand guns. Give them an inch and they’ll go a mile. I don’t trust the government to keep us safe. Sorry guys.
I am so tired of this argument that we can’t have some reasonable regulation because that means all guns will be banned. It does not mean that, so quit saying it does. Why do you want bad people to have assault weapons? Why would we not try to stop this? It doesn’t make any sense. We don’t do it, because we won’t be successful 100% of the time? That’s true about almost everything we do. We are making the moderate argument, and you are trying to say that we are extreme. That is just putting words into people’s mouths that aren’t there. Erin didn’t say ban all guns. Obama hasn’t said that or proposed that. Nor has Clinton. That is never going to happen. Quit saying that! The majority of people in this country want stricter regulations on guns (not a ban on guns). If we had a well-functioning democracy, this would have happened a long time ago. But instead we have the NRA.
I think we’re all missing the point here and everyone is listening to the mainstream media a little too much, blaming the guns instead of the ISIS terrorist. This was a homegrown ISIS terrorist who wanted to kill gay Americans. He would have gotten his hands on an assault rifle no matter how much gun control we have in this country. Again, gun free zones are a prime place for these TERRORISTS to take innocent lives.
I agree Leanne. That is how the government works. They take baby steps. We were given the right to bear arms specifically to protect us from the government.
Remember when smoking was banned on flights lasting two hours or less? Then it was on all flights. Now it is in all public areas. Pretty soon it will be in private homes.
That is how the government does things – very slowly.
Are you suggesting that the only truly valid response to 50 people being murdered by a man with a high capacity assault rifle is more people with high capacity assault rifles? Especially, in a dark nightclub full of drunk 20-somethings?
Because, to me, that seems less like a rational response and more like an episode of the A-team.
Leanne, we will have to agree to disagree that “no amount of gun control” can help prevent the access of assault weapons getting into the wrong hands. Again, yesterday’s attacks were perpetrated by a dangerous person who obtained his weapon legally despite being under FBI investigation. Perhaps he would have gotten an assault weapon anyway if these weapons were illegal for him to purchase, but maybe not. The bottom line is that the fact that it was made easily available to him directly enabled him to do this damage. When we so blatantly fail to keep these weapons out of dangerous hands, I think it frankly makes us complicit.
You are correct that bad people may also use hand guns to commit crimes, but assault weapons are able to kill and injure so many more people at once, and are much more difficult to defend against. I just also don’t see how permitting civilian access to assault weapons makes anyone safer. It’s not a practical endeavor to carry one around all the time just in case someone attacks.
Gun control certainly will not cure all violence, but it seems like putting in some common sense measures in place is one piece of the puzzle here, along with addressing the roots of these attacks.
Did I say take away all guns? Did you even read my post. THAT kind of attitude is whats wrong with this country.
Leanne – did you actually read her post? She never said she wants to take away everyone’s right to bear arms. She simply said that we need some regulation about who and why and how people buy guns. I’m fairly certain you’re not carrying an assault weapon around to protect yourself, right? Surely you can’t disagree with the fact that no one really NEEDS one of those to protect themselves under then 2nd amendment. To me, ignorance is not seeing that stricter procedures and processes need to be enacted surrounding the purchase of guns – which absolutely does not mean you’ll be kissing the 2nd amendment goodbye, btw.
From what you’ve said, it sounds like you’re the ideal when it comes to a gun owner, as you say you know proper gun handling and gun safety. Sadly this isn’t true for too many gun owners in this country. And please, don’t call Erin ignorant (and her blog stupid) when she’s put forward a completely reasonable suggestion; it cheapens your argument and I’m sorry to say, paints you exactly as you’ve tried to paint her.
While you certainly have a right to your opinion I think you are totally missing what Erin is advocating for. She is talking about banning assault weapons (which can kill dozens of people at a time) to prevent them from getting in the hands of dangerous people, and better regulating the sale of other kinds of guns to better ensure they only get in the hands of responsible people. She is definitely not talking about taking away your guns (assuming you are a non-violent, law abiding citizen who knows how to use one safely). You are right that “bad guys” may seek out ways to acquire weapons anyway but why would we not make it harder for them to do so?
NO ONE IS SAYING TAKE AWAY ALL GUNS!!!!!! NO ONE WANTS TO ELIMINATE THE 2ND AMENDMENT WHO IS RUNNIN FOR PRESIDENT OR WHO IS SITTING AS PRESIDENT!!! THEY HAVE SAID _ I AM NOT AGAINST THE 2ND AMENDMENT!!!! LISTEN TO PEOPLE!!! YOU ARE BEING LED BY FEAR AND THAT IN ITSELF IS IGNORANCE.
The answer is not to have more guns out there. We need to look to more civilized socities (eg. Europe) who do not have the rate of violence we do.
Leanne is completely right! Banning guns is NOT the answer. And calling European societies “civilized” is a JOKE. Google the news stories about migrants entering European citizens’ homes. They were defenseless in their own homes BECAUSE of gun control. Look at Fast and Furious – the point being, gun control won’t prevent the bad guys from getting the guns, just like Leanne said. On a sidenote – Erin, I haven’t read your blog since your entitled “having it all” post; it really rubbed me the wrong way, mainly because the majority of your readers sweat and toil with much less and don’t complain. I unfollowed your Instagram and was only led to this blog post by a friend. Haven’t missed either one. Cue the comments from your followers and your husband, who seems to police both venues full-time in order to spew rude vitriol at anyone who disagrees with you.
I was a college teacher on campus when an intruder walked in with a gun and a bag of ammunition. I can’t tell you the despair I felt when I realized that the shots I was hearing were from a semi-automatic gun . The idea that friends, students and even my own daughter who was on campus that day might be the target of those bullets was horrible to contemplate. The spree was ended by a police sharp shooter and we went on to grieve and heal. But no one one should have access to these types of guns.
Bravo, Erin! We all need to speak out on this issue until we can get change in the wind. It is too important for politicians to ignore and remain hamstrung by the power of the NRA. 100% behind you!!!
Couldn’t agree more, Erin!
Thank you for putting into words what I have been feeling.
I saw a humorous meme on instagram yesterday.
Ban gays and Muslims and nightclubs and dancing. But let’s keep assault weapons we really need those.
Insanity.
And thanks Erin for the post. Anyone with any sense is standing right here with you.
OMG, that is perfect. Exactly.
Hi Erin,
I enjoy your blog and you have a sweet family. I would respectfully disagree with you this issue. Please make sure all the facts are in before blaming someone or something as the cause of a tragic situation. Guns do not cause violence. The people who commit the acts are responsible for their actions. Millions of law abiding, responsible men and women who own and use guns should not be denied their constitutional rights because someone decides to break the law. I realize sometimes all of the facts are hard to find out in this day of knee-jerk news stories, but let’s wait until the facts are in before we all jump on the politically correct gun control band wagon.
And I will respectfully disagree with your argument…which is one I loathe to see every time one of these tragic events happen. No one is saying people do not deserve to have their toys…I mean, weapons, but the type of weapons and common sense background checks and other safe guards are important to institute. It won’t prevent all the killings and suicides but it will prevent some.
The facts are in… he used an AK-15 assault rifle to murder and wound over 100 people. This is a national security issue and a gun control issue. I agree with Erin that the 2nd amendment right should be upheld as it was intended, but I would love to hear any justification as to why someone should be able to purchase and own an assault rifle. Is it so they can go into a kindergarten class and murder 20 children ages 6 and 7 and 6 additional adults? Is it so they can go to a movie theatre and murder, a work holiday party, a church, a military center? And not once, has a law abiding citizen holding a gun come to the rescue. I am a republican but I am also having a baby in the fall and my heart breaks when I think of all of the parents learning of their murdered child sunday morning. ISIS and radicalism is an enemy, mental illness needs attention, but this absolutely is also a gun issue in addition to the others. Devastation still may have been caused saturday night without guns, just like it was done in Boston and in Paris, but the easy access to assault rifles makes it that much easier to wreak havoc. You can believe in the right to bear arms and have limitations, or stricter laws and protections at the same time (as Erin referenced). I would love to meet the “millions of law abiding, responsible men and women who own and use guns” who own and responsibly use AK47s, AK15s, and other assault weapons. The murders in Orlando were many things….they were hate crimes, they were an act of terrorism, they were an example of radical Islamic violence, and they were an example of an instance where we needed stronger protection for the American people from guns.
Hi Cynthia – first off, hats off to you for disagreeing respectfully…the only way to have good debate. Where I think I would diverge with you is the idea of an assault weapon being a constitutional right. I am personally of the opinion that a document written that long ago shouldn’t be the ultimate guideline for how we deal with it today. Guiding principle sure…but I am not sure they could have had the foresight to deal with our situation today. Technically the 2nd amendment allows us to own a nuclear weapon (“right to bear arms”). I think the debate is where do we draw the line between a person’s right to bear arms and a person’s right to live. The right to bear arms was intended to ensure the people had a away to defend or over throw a corrupt government, which I think we can all agree isn’t realistic today. No solution is perfect. My two cents is to ban semi-automatic weapons as I am not sure what purpose they can serve (other than they might be fun to shoot at a range) that makes it worthwhile to let that be another option mentally unstable people have easy access to.
Please look at the work that the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence has been doing for DECADES to make our country safer. (And, as you remember, Jim Brady was President Reagan’s press secretary.) They have been dealing in facts about guns for years. They are measured and reliable.
There is nothing knee-jerk or unreasonable about the Senate gun control legislation that failed in the wake of there Sandy Hook shooting. No law-abiding citizens would be denied their right to buy guns if it passes. It is common sense, very fair and still allows folks to buy guns.
Of course, people cause violence. But guns are what are used to perpetrate that violence.
And, I know change is scary. But our current gun laws are failing everyone of us.
Erin, I agree wholeheartedly and thank you!
These tragedies have happened at Parks, Churches, Offices Buildings, Shopping Malls, Schools, Universities, Restaurants, Concerts, Military Bases etc….I always ask into thin air it seems…what will it take to make it more difficult for a person to get their hands on these killing machines (that’s what they were made to do…kill people)? Where are our rights as citizens to go about our daily lives without fear of deranged young men (usually the killer is a young guy) killing us or anyone?….I’m afraid we Americans will or are becoming immune to this….first comes the shock, Media rushes to the scene, reports from the scene, then there is information about the shooter(s), Victims are reported on, funerals, memorials, photos of the flowers and balloons, crying…then the media moves on…until the next tragedy…and the whole scenario plays out again!!
I will be contacting my representatives..and donating to organizations for sane gun laws..
I agree with every single word of this post, and thank you for writing it. But will contacting our congressman or senators make a difference? Are they suddenly going to change their policies because of a stack of emails? I don’t mean this to be harsh or negative, I’m actually wondering WHAT CAN WE ACTUALLY DO to change this sick state of affairs in our country? I feel helpless to bring about the change I so desperately wish to see.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Don’t assume writing to your congressmen won’t help. It’s their job to represent the people in their districts, it they want to be re-elected. It’s better than doing nothing. It’s better to try.
I live in Texas. I know writing my congressman/woman will fall on deaf ears. But others who live in a state not called Texas may stand a chance. Our congressmen say if we don’t like the way they run it, leave.
I totally agree Erin…NO ONE needs an assault rifle besides the military. It makes me sick…we just had the terrorist shooting in San Bernadino last December that killed 14. So many lives could have been spared if they did not have access to those weapons. That incident really shook me up…too close to home I guess. And now here we go again.
My son-in-law is big on guns but he and my daughter are deputies so it kind of goes with the territory. I don’t even get into this topic with him because I know it will get into a debate. And they are voting for Trump. :(
Linda in San Diego
Don’t think I’ve posted here before, but I COULD NOT AGREE MORE. Hooray, you, for speaking out!
I keep wondering where the tipping point is, but like so many things these days, we just can’t seem to reach rock bottom.
I totally agree with Obama’s past stance on this – there is no reason on this Earth that the average citizen should have ready access to high-capacity assault rifles. They are weapons of war, and should not be so readily available to anyone. There is a “cult of guns” in this country that I just cannot for the life of me understand. I keep thinking of that ONION headline “‘No way to prevent this’ says ONLY nation where this regularly happens.”
https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/8708154.html
How to contact all your local officials! Thank you for using your platform so well!
Yes. To all of this.
I think you echo the opinions of so many Americans. Thank you for being brave and taking a stance on your blog.
Thank you for having the guts to post this, Erin. I am sickened by the Orlando shootings. I am a straight woman who used to live in Orlando and frequented the gay nightclubs with friends. I am so incredibly heartbroken to hear of friends of friends who were killed in such a horrific way. I do feel helpless, but am so ready for a change.
Erin~I absolutely agree with all of your points on the need to change our gun laws, especially regarding semi-automatic weapons. The fact that someone on a terror watch list can buy a firearm is mind boggling! However, the events of this past weekend are much more complicated in my opinion. The ideology of RADICAL Islam is alive and well in the United States and it needs to be stopped. Their hatred of LGBT’s and women can NOT be tolerated in Western societies! Our country has been infiltrated by these terrorists (living in Boston, I am sure the events of the Boston marathon bombing is fresh in your mind) AND they will use whatever means they can to kill infidels.
I completely agree, Erin. Thank you for the post. The way I see, if 1% of people with semi-automatic weapons are using them for terrorism, then we need to do away with them. I can’t think of one reason someone (outside of the military) should own one of these weapons. If people are worried about protecting themselves, there are options other than semi-automatic weapons. I will gladly put restrictions on my rights in order to save some of the innocent victims of violence. My gun rights are not more important than any one else’s life. Put restrictions on my rights, please. If it will help even an inkling, I am happy to be a part of the solution.
Bravo.
I’ve been reading your blog for years, I even met you when you came to Dallas. But I like you even more when I read this. The NRA is out of control!! They have a strong hold on any kind of legislation being passed that can make a difference. Until we unite and stand up against them, nothing will change. And voting an orange man into the White House will only make things worse. I hope people are paying attention and get out and vote in November.
Bravo Erin. Just came across your blog, and don’t even listen to those who say you will lose readers. You’ve just gained one. Your take on the tragic events of the weekend are smart and courageous. As a Canadian, all I can say is that most of your neighbours to the north really don’t get how these events can keep happening without more people standing up to say what you so bravely said. Keep saying it, and hopefully you will help tip the scales towards change.
Unfortunately, here in America money talks. Those in power take money from the gun lobbies and such . The average American, even in large sums will not change this. It’s disheartening. My daughter was in first grade when sandy hook happened. I cried for months thinking of those poor babies. It makes me sick.
Our only choice is to remove those in power. But how? Our elections are rigged by our two major parties. Sure they seem to be on opposite sides but in reality they make and pass laws according to whomever is lining their pocketbooks. In order to be elected one has to have money and a lot of it. This is why Trump has become so popular. People are so tired of the way our country is ran they are willing to put up with him to get change. It’s sad all the way around.
I completely and wholeheartedly agree… The rights of innocent people to live in as safe a society as we are able to provide should take precedence over the rights of a corporation to sell a gun to a civilian which was meant for law enforcement or military use. We need to wake up!
It is mind-boggling to me that the first go-to is gun control. What about protecting our country – Obama let this “JV” get out of control and now they are out to get us. If it wasn’t a gun, it would have been a bomb. France has some of the strictest gun-control laws in the world and look what happened there.
ISIS released a kill list of 8,000 Americans. And guns are the enemy? SMH.
And 13,000 Americans were killed by guns in 2015.
Amen, Britta!
Suzanne, this is all the more reason to place restrictions on potential criminals – including members of ISIS – to gain access to firearms in this country like the ones used yesterday. Without these restrictions we are simply enabling them to perpetrate these crimes.
Why do you think assault weapons are necessary for the average American?
Well said!
Suzanne, I WILL look at France. The United States has THREE TIMES more violent crime than France.
https://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/compare/France/United-States/Crime
Yes, I know: the attacks in Paris were horrific, and gun regulation isn’t going to stop all violence from occurring. But don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Even one life spared is worth the regulated control of fire arms.
And, for the record, I wish I had better statistics on gun deaths and mass shootings, but Congress and the NRA has prevented the CDC from collecting data on these incidents since 1996. Which really is just more crazy.
To be fair, France has a population of 64 million, the USA has a population of 323 million.
Exactly. Thank you Brooke.
I mean, right?? We sent a man to the moon over a lifetime ago and we can’t figure out how to administer a terror watch list today? It is a sorry excuse for inaction. Our country deserves so much better than that.
Brooke,
You sum it up perfectly for me.
The public health point is so important, and one I was going to make. This is an older piece, but I think it is a rationale way for Americans to think about gun control: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/04/opinion/sunday/nicholas-kristof-a-new-way-to-tackle-gun-deaths.html.
Very good point.
Exactly.
On point. Well said.
Sing it sister!
Erin, You have made me a bigger fan of yours with these comments. Thank you.
There is a bill in congress that would have prevented terrorists from buying guns. It was blocked to “ensure that Americans who are wrongly on the terrorist list are are afforded their constitutional right to due process.” Are you kidding me??? So Congress is saying someone’s right to buy a gun without delay is more important than the lives of the people in the Orlando nightclub? Because that is how it boils down.
I hope this sounds mad and inflammatory because death of innocent people is worth a little emotion to me. Gun control advocates (including myself) have tried FOR YEARS to make reasonable, measured arguments on this issue. We keep losing. It is time to get mad and do something. Figure out where your member of Congress (and mayor, judge, and city councilperson) stands on gun control and VOTE in November. Give money to the Brady Campaign, Everytown, or Sandyhook Promise. Even $5 makes a difference. Write to your newspaper. Talk with your friends.
We KNOW gun control works in every other civilized nation in the world. True, it won’t stop all gun-related deaths. But isn’t saving ONE life worth it?
https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/gop-blocks-bill-stop-terrorists-buying-guns
Saving one life is worth it? Cars kill way more than guns. Saving one life is worth it, so you should walk from now on. You don’t use guns, so you have no regard for that right and are completely convinced that everyone else should give that up because “something must be done”. Infringing my right with means that do not work achieves nothing except to make you feel better. It’s not just that it is unproven, gun control is proven not to work. It didn’t work for Paris, it doesn’t prevent a single bad guy from carrying a gun into a gun free zone, and background checks did nothing to stop Orlando. The assault weapons ban was proven to accomplish nothing, a DOJ study was the basis for allowing it to expire. Gun grabbers whine all the time that there is no research on gun violence. Empiracal evidence is all around you but you fail to acknowlrdge it. The murder rate in the US has been steadily dropping as the rate of gun ownership has been increasing. Bad people will always have guns and other means to do evil. Taking away the means of self defense from the good people only makes the problem worse.
Agreed! The problem with the Terrorist Watch list should be addressed, but not at the expense of blocking people on the list from buying guns. Fix the list, don’t use it as an excuse to prevent people from buying guns.
Agree with everything you said.
BRAVO, and thank you! I could NOT AGREE MORE. Why on earth does ANYONE need an assault rifle? It is astonishing… Thank you for speaking up.
Yes. Yes. Yes. I’m overwhelmed at this point. It feels like things will never change. I honestly can’t comprehend how anyone could not agree with common sense gun laws. This pretty much sums it up in a humorous way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rR9IaXH1M0&feature=youtu.be
YES! I essentially said the same thing to a colleague this morning. Bad people will find a way to do bad things, but let’s please make it a bit more difficult for them. For everyone so worried about their 2nd amendment rights: by all means, have a gun to protect yourself against a violent intruder, or a rifle for hunting. If you’re a sane, law-abiding citizen, then you shouldn’t have a problem with waiting a little longer or filling out a bit more paperwork to get your gun if it will protect your fellow Americans getting shot by a lunatic. And unless you are on-duty in the military, there is NO NEED for a semi-automatic or automatic weapon. A regular gun will suffice for protecting yourself or hunting your dinner.
I do not know if anyone shared this yet, because I am at work and can’t read all the comments, but here is a guide, with an email and phone call script, to reach out to your elected officials about gun control. EVERY VOICE can make a difference. Please! https://www.huffingtonpost.com/nicole-silverberg/guide-elected-representatives-gun-control_b_8708154.html?
I was a junior at Virginia Tech in 2007 when 32 lives were taken by a cowardly man with guns. It changed my life forever. Please do something so this doesn’t keep happening. Please.
Could not have said it better myself! I actually think I said those same words back when Newtown tore our hearts out, I signed anti-machine gun petitions, write Congressmen, etc. but still no change. Time to march on Washington I think?
Thank you Erin.
It is absolutely appropriate to address this in your blog. We can’t compartmentalize our lives, particularly in the midst of the craziness that is going on. While I completely agree with your points, I understand that others may see things differently…I’m thinking of the statement that I heard this morning from Marco Rubio (emphasizing the role of religious extremism/terrorism over gun control)…there is no one single right answer or path to addressing such complex issues as to why people commit violence, terrorism, etc. I find it incredulous/frustrating/so sad that we cannot address this gun issue. OF COURSE there are many other factors that need to be addressed – preventing people from being radicalized, increased intelligence and detection, addressing mental health issues. But just because you support one aspect (eg, gun control), it doesn’t mean the other aspects are not also important. It’s so hard to get away from the politics of it all. I wish we could have leaders/politicians who can work together to address these issues from all dimensions.
Our country is so broken! Erin many of us agree with you. My brothers and father hunted but never had anything but riffles. Those of you that think it’s your right to own any type of gun need to consider the rights of others. We have the right to send our children to school and know they are safe. Or go to a movie and know we are safe. Or go to a club and know we are safe. Why are your rights more important than ours. I have no problem with guns for hunting but, those weapons that are purchased to harm human life is another story! Wake up America before someone else dies!!!!
Erin, thank you for using your voice on this issue. This organization is doing a lot to create awareness and fight for gun control. I am with this fight for my children…..https://momsdemandaction.org/
Thank you. I strongly agree with everything you said. And I appreciate that you were able to both express your anger and maintain a civil and constructive tone. It’s disgusting that we are no longer surprised by this type of senseless violence.
Erin, your comment that this doesn’t happen in countries where these guns are banned is unfortunately incorrect. I am all for good gun laws with proper checks. However in 2015 in France (a country with ultra strict gun laws, “no” assault weapons etc) there were more mass shootings in that year then in the last 8 years in the US, and the US has 4 times the population as France. I think simply limiting the discussion to gun laws is naive. There are a lot of problems our country needs to face and speak honestly about. We are in the midst of some large cultural, ideological, and moral shifts.
“However in 2015 in France (a country with ultra strict gun laws, “no” assault weapons etc) there were more mass shootings in that year then in the last 8 years in the US, and the US has 4 times the population as France”
Source please. This is patently untrue. The United States leads the world in mass shootings at one nearly EVERY DAY as well as gun death rates and straight gun death numbers.
France has around 1,800 gun deaths per year. The United States has around 33,000 gun deaths per year. When taking population into account, that is a rate of nearly four times more gun fatalities in the United States. Even the horrific attack in Paris in 2015 does not move the needle enough to make France ANYWHERE close to as dangerous as the United States.
Will, I don’t think Erin is advocating “limiting” the discussion to gun control. Of course there are complicated social and political issues at play that are behind so many of the terrible violent incidents that have taken place in this country and abroad which need to be addressed.
What she is saying is that there should be absolutely no reason for these dangerous people to be able to legally obtain military grade weapons like the one that was used yesterday. Certainly, banning civilian purchase of assault weapons alone would not stop violence completely, but it would make it more difficult for weapons like these to get into the wrong hands. It just seems like common sense.
Brava!!!
Thank you, and thank your eloquent commenters. Now I hope they take action.
YOU. GO. GIRL! Your voice is strong and you are right! The all-or-nothing arguments on the other side carry no weight and create no change. So much respect Erin!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
Despite the fact that there are just as many guns in the hands of Canadians as North Americans; US citizens are too violent to handle the responsibility of access to assault weapons. We are a violent country that started with the genocide of the Native Americans and continues on our own soil, by us, all the time. That culture of divisiveness is carried down through the scare tactics of the NRA and others with their bastardization of the Constitution. We are no longer defending ourselves from Brits. Embrace change USA! Embrace peace, safety, acceptance and knowledge.
Thank you for having the courage to speak up. Style comes in all forms, I’m grateful you didn’t let today’s post go by as just another typical day. If we all spoke up every day about the insanity of our gun laws then SOMETHING would change. Love is sweet, love is grand but it won’t fight the NRA with the power, money and influence we’ve allowed it to obtain. We MUST change the gun laws in this country. These countries did it, why can’t we? Australia. Scotland. Finland.
You haven’t lost me as a reader. Thank you for using your platform to speak out.
Preach! I agree 100%. I saw the footage, and kept thinking, those victims are somebody’s babies. It’s so sad that we’ve (as a country) done nothing to help prevent such acts :(
AGREE!!!!!!!!!
I am with you 100%. Thank you for speaking out.
There will always be religious extremists, whether Muslim or Christian. It is taught from the cradle. The same with homophobia, racism, misogyny. There is also mental illness. Let us think critically, as Erin has. The one thing we can realistically control is gun laws that keep those whose hatred turns to violence in check. We could slow them down. Australia is a model of reform and had no failure of nerve in implementing their gun laws. Stop beating around the bush and do the right think. Erin, love your strength.
I’m with you all the way. It’s sad that we look at a mass shooting when women are being shot dead by their partners/exes all the time, one by one. Women in the United States account for 84 percent of all female firearm victims in the developed world, even though they make up only a third of the developed world’s female population.
https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/02/having-a-gun-in-the-house-doesnt-make-a-woman-safer/284022/
So the idea that guns are for self-protection is ludicrous. More guns are used for killing “loved” ones than for shooting perpetrators of crimes (and why do people think that they have the right to deliver a death penalty to a burglar?).
The reason people think they need assault rifles is they are paranoid about the government. They believe the idiotic scenarios of Bruce Willis movies that the government is nefarious and out to destroy the people, and only a brave honest man with a big gun will save everyone.
“The surest way for evil to prosper and triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Yours is a strong voice and will no doubt have a productive ripple effect.
Proud of you!
THANK YOU for posting this! You’re right in saying that we need to stand up and have a voice. I fear for my children’s future as well. I have to also say that I think it’s ridiculous to say you are going to lose readers over this and if you lose a few then you’re setting an example of what our country needs to stop worrying about – the popularity contests – just do what is right already. You’re a concerned citizen in our country that is unraveling and I for one think if enough people speak out and ACT maybe we can do something about banning these automatic weapons that no one needs to hunt or defend themselves with.
It is on us – everyone should speak up. Here is an easy guide to contacting your representatives:
https://medium.com/@nicolesilverberg/it-s-on-us-too-an-easy-guide-to-contacting-your-elected-representatives-about-gun-control-2e2d8eb20e3f#.qy36ryoyn
Bravo, Erin. I am sickened over what happened yesterday. I completely agree with the sadness and the anger.
We owe it to our children to stand up and make their world safer. Our founding fathers could not even imagine that semi-automatic weapons would be a reality — so to use that as our reason for lax gun laws is absurd. It is definitely time for change — and Australia has done it. We need to learn from others — and put the pieces in place to make change over time. We can not wait.
I’ve attached links to two media pieces about Australia gun laws that were interesting to me. The second comes from a gun owner. It can be done — but it will be even harder here. That is when I go to the Margaret Mead quote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Get involved and keep using your voice for good.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/port-arthur-massacre-shooting-spree-changed-australia-gun-laws-n396476
https://time.com/4172274/what-its-like-to-own-guns-in-a-country-with-strict-gun-control/
Guns are not the only vehicle for mass murder. Bombs made from fertilizer, stolen airplanes, spiked kool aid, and pressure cookers have all made gruesome history. Do you propose to outlaw it all?
Gun free zones are ridiculous. Criminals and terrorists are not going to go back to the car and lock their weapon in the glovebox because of a sign. Its like highlighting the places where no one can stop an attack.
And, while the anti-gun nuts, who don’t understand the process, paperwork, background checks, time and expense involved in purchasing a firearm, rush to further their agenda in the wake of this tragedy, let’s take a breath AND a broader approach to the problem. Mental health issues are frequently a contributing factor in mass murders. And now, so is ISIS
The media does not share the daily stories of ordinary people who use guns to stop violence and protect their friends,
co-workers, total strangers, and their
children. It doesn’t fit the anti-gun agenda. One armed, concealed carry permit holder, could have made all the difference in that nightclub on Sunday morning. If my sons find themselves in the center of an Orlando, Sandy Hook, or San Bernadino, I hope there is a good guy there who ignored the gun free zone sign, and fights back.
^ Sorry, I meant in “in favor of a pro-gun control agenda”! Typo! One final point – if you want to do something about restricting access to weapons that really will make a difference in preventing terrorist attacks, I encourage you and anyone else reading on here to write to their congressperson and senator in favor of legislation that helps our government and intelligence agencies disrupt the financial networks that fund terrorism (and most especially gives them the money to buy their guns and other weapons both on the black market and through legal means). Many of these funding sources are fronted by legitimate businesses and/or foreign government activity, but there is a lot that can be done to stop it.
I hate the argument that guns are not the only vehicle for murder. We have more gun deaths than any other developed country…and so many more children dead from gun violence than other countries.
756 American CHILDREN were killed by gun violence in 2015,
On average, a toddler in America shoots someone about once a week. and nearly half of gun owners with children keep their guns unlocked as a matter of course.
The United States accounts for nearly 75 percent of all children murdered in the developed world. American children are nine times more likely to die in gun accidents than children anywhere else in the developed world. Study after study unequivocally demonstrates that the prevalence of firearms directly increases the risk of youth homicide, suicide, and unintentional death.
The gun deaths because of accidents and murders are terrible, but the saddest part is that most gun deaths are not accidents or murder, they’re suicide: More than 60 percent of people in this country who die from guns die by suicide. Statistics show that 85 percent of suicide attempts with a gun are fatal. (by contrast, only 1 in 5o suicide attempts using pills are successful). Is anyone 100% sure that their loved one will never contemplate suicide? Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds, and no one thinks it will happen in their house, but it does.
Another reason to make it harder to own a gun: Abused women are five times more likely to be killed by their abuser if the abuser owns a firearm. Someone who has a history of domestic abuse should not be legally allowed to buy a gun. This Orlando shooter was a domestic violence abuser, was investigated by the FBI, was known to be mentally ill, and was legally able to have a concealed weapon permit and legally buy an automatic weapon.
Agreed, Beth! And sensible gun laws that would help improve regulating the safe and responsible purchase and usage of guns would surely help to curb the accidental gun deaths that take place. When a potentially dangerous activity has barely any restrictions, it really limits the opportunity to have conversations and educate.
Erin answered the question as to why we need assault weapons.
“And good luck taking down a shooter with a gun that sprays 60 bullets a minute with a handgun that shoots one at a time. That’s not a fair fight.”
Once the atomic bomb was created, and the incredible destruction was witnessed, there was no putting the genie back in the bottle. The same is true with these weapons. There is no un-inventing them. You will never round them all up. Evil will find a way.
What keeps nuclear bombs in the silos around the world is knowing others have them too – if you use yours, I’ll use mine. It is the way we stay safe.
Good Lord, Dina. That is a TERRIFYING mindset.
So you think we should all carry AK-15’s around? REALLY? Let’s let the bad guys have their guns and we’ll just all carry them too so we can shoot back and shoot mankind into oblivion? That just does not make ANY sense to me.
That is my question – are we supposed to waltz around with assault weapons hanging from our diaper bags? That is your answer? You really want to live somewhere like that? You think that as a society that would make things less intense and not more, cause fewer incidents of violence instead of more from accidents with those guns alone? I don’t understand that making guns a centerpiece of your life is much more important than living it without guns on your mind 24/7. The stats show for a fact that you are much more likely so shoot yourself with your own gun than to need it to protect yourself. We have a civilized society and should be glad for it, we don’t want to go back to civil war. This makes absolutely no sense to me. It makes you sound more paranoid than anything else and I think the media does a lot to make people feel like things are are a lot more dangerous out there than the reality. To me this is irrational thinking.
So Dina, are you suggesting that we all walk around with assault weapons, in case a dangerous criminal decides to open fire in order to make the fight fair? That seems very frightening and very impractical.
Dina, you are absolutely correct that guns are not the only vehicle for mass murder. But doesn’t it make sense to put restrictions in place to limit access to one of the ways in which people can commit violence on this scale? The fact that a dangerous, violent person under FBI investigation was able to purchase a weapon like this legally indicates a huge problem.
We have found ways to make other practices in this country safer – driving is a great example. The invention and requirement of seat belts and air bags have greatly reduced auto-related deaths. We also require all drivers to pass an examination and take a course on auto safety to legally operate a vehicle. The penalty for driving under the influence typically revokes a license or can even result in jail time. Do people still die due to auto-related deaths and to people choose to ignore these regulations and laws? Of course! But these measures have greatly improved public safety. They will never eliminate all illegal action or unnecessary death, but why is that a good argument to not even try?
Certainly law-abiding citizens can safely operate guns for hunting, sport, and even self defense if they so choose and putting some common-sense restrictions on the types of weapons that can be purchased, and the licensing required to purchase and operate guns will not restrict responsible gun owners.
You say that an armed, trained, concealed carry permit holder could have made the difference at this nightclub. Perhaps. The difference could also have been made on eliminating access to this type of weapon. One does not necessarily preclude the other, and perhaps in either case, mass violence would still have occurred.
I agree that there are other issues to be addressed here – mental health issues and dangerous radical ideologies that have compelled people to perpetrate these acts, but the fact is that the existing laws in this country allowed this person access to a weapon that is designed only to kill on a large scale. We need to do better than that.
You’re confusing “guns” with “semi-automatic weapons” You have to be specific. It happened so fast no one could do anything about it but run. Shooting through an entire song, really think about what that must have been like. We still don’t know the facts about whether or not anyone was carrying. I know it has been reported to be a “gun-free” zone, but no one knows all the facts yet.
The “Gun Free” zone is about punishment, just like a Drug Free Zone is. The punishments under the law are stricter than in other areas. It’s not about gently asking people not to bring their guns there. Incidentally it was signed into law by Bush as a bandaid for what changes really needed to be enacted. You have to think about what is motivating people and these laws.
See here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun-Free_School_Zones_Act_of_1990
Personally I think you are simplifying the issue too much. To say that we then need not restrict all methods for potential weaponry isn’t really fair or reasonable. Yes you can make bombs with the other stuff, which incidentally has some reporting protections on (like fertlizer), but all you have to do for a semi-automatic weapon is but it from a gun show, load it and shoot it. That could happen in as little as 10 minutes at a gun show.
I agree that mental health is an issue, I can also agree that ISIS can be as well, so why can’t you make any concessions on your end of it? No one is saying we want to take away your gun rights, they are playing into people’s fears about the worst case just as ISIS would incidentally. To change the Constitution is a very long and arduous process and the democratic candidates as well as the president has said point blank that they will not seek to do that.
The NRA is a special interest just like ISIS or any of the other groups that are complained about. You label the “media” as one group. There is a lot of different kind of information out there and I have seen stories about people shooting themselves and of people protecting themselves. I don’t agree that it is one- sided. What you have to think about is what the actual facts are pontificate, then formulate an opinion. As circumstances change, then you rethink, take in the new information from many sources both pro and con, and then decide again. When something like this happens, as bad as it was, you have to reassess and take a hard look at what you believe. At the end of the day if you still come away with the same conclusion, then so be it, but this is too important and everyone’s opinion counts.
I appreciate your thoughts even though I do not agree with you.
I don’t understand this argument.
A terrorist may use a bomb instead of a gun, but that fact doesn’t negate the benefit of creating common sense gun regulations.
I agree with you that gun-free zones aren’t the answer, but no civilian should have access to military-grade weapons and ammunition.
I also don’t think wanting to create a safer world for our kids can be called furthering an agenda.
Well said Dina. I actually don’t disagree with Erin on this issue, but zeroing in on gun control as the answer to terrorist attacks won’t solve the problem – it’s not about which weapons they have access to, it’s about their extreme ideology and mindset. Tragically (and I don’t say this to minimize the suffering this past weekend at all), the shooter was also wearing a suicide vest – if it wasn’t with a gun, it would’ve been with a devastating explosion. As someone who up until recently worked for Congress and in a presidential Administration, “the NRA has our government in a chokehold” is an empty talking point that people who are ignorant of the actuality of the inner workings of Congress and The White House/Executive Branch say. And I don’t support the NRA and disagree with them on many things (absolutely agree we should mandate background checks!).
^ Sorry, I meant in “in favor of a pro-gun control agenda”! Typo! One final point – if you want to do something about restricting access to weapons that really will make a difference in preventing terrorist attacks, I encourage you and anyone else reading on here to write to their congressperson and senator in favor of legislation that helps our government and intelligence agencies disrupt the financial networks that fund terrorism (and most especially gives them the money to buy their guns and other weapons both on the black market and through legal means). Many of these funding sources are fronted by legitimate businesses and/or foreign government activity, but there is a lot that can be done to stop it.
Erin – thanks for your reply. I actually agree that semi-automatic weapons aren’t necessary outside of the military. I haven’t completely decided if I think that an all-out ban of them would violate the 2nd Amendment – I go back and forth and can see legitimacy on both sides of that argument. My point was simply this: gun control isn’t an answer to terrorism. Yes, it may be part of the solution to violent shootings, but terrorists use all kinds of weapons – whatever they can get their hands on that is most convenient. In this case it was a gun, but if he didn’t have access to a gun he would’ve chosen a different weapon, sadly. Take away their guns and they will use something else. Because it’s about what’s motivating the attack, not the method. Anti-terrorism policies aren’t about cherry-picking access/restriction to weapons, they’re about better intelligence, better security, economic development in areas of the world that are hotbeds of terrorism, wider acceptance in Western societies so that immigrants don’t feel marginalized and become extremists, etc. And terrorist attacks DO happen in countries with assault weapons bans and gun control – look at France, the UK, Belgium, India, etc. The media and others asserting that gun control would’ve prevented this attack is un-knowable at best and misleading/manipulative (in favor of an anti-gun control agenda) at worst.
CK- it is highly offensive and a stretch to say that by suggesting that semi-automatic weapons be banned “trivializes the Boston Marathon bombing victims”. Of course we have a terrorist problem, the whole damn world does, but giving them access to military grade weapons so easily only makes them able to do what they want to do easier. How does that trivialize the victims of a terrorist attack? You’ve lost ME.
Jenna is on point. To make this a gun control post when you lived in Boston during the Boston bombing is shocking. Wake up! People want to murder us (Henry included). They are radical Islamic terrorists. They rape 8 year old girls and want to wipe gay people off this planet. They also cause bigotry toward peaceful Muslims. Of course it’s too easy to get access to weapons that can cause serious damage and that’s a big problem. But by refusing to name the real problem (Isis and Obamas JV team treatment) and confusing the issues, your are marginalizing all of the Boston victims and victims of Isis everywhere. I was a reader for 5 years but you’ve lost me.
Actually, he CLAIMED to have a suicide vest on the 911 call, but this was not, in fact true. Semi-Automatic weapons should be banned. Period. There is no way to debate that, and I’ve yet to see one person point to a legitimate reason why an everyday citizen needs to own one.
Also, there was an armed security guard, with whom gunfire was exchanged, but he was unable to stop him. Bottom line, if he had not had a semi-automatic weapon, fewer people would have been killed and injured.
But it IS about the weapons they have access to. This doesn’t happen in countries that have banned automatic weapons. Why give people with “extreme ideology and mindset” easy access to such weapons? What’s the point in allowing that? Why would banning that be BAD for society? As I said in my post- you want a handgun- fine- it should be possible, but not EASY to get one and keep one- and yes, maybe someone with a legal firearm could have helped. But it didn’t, did it? And good luck taking down a shooter with a gun that sprays 60 bullets a minute with a handgun that shoots one at a time. That’s not a fair fight.
I live in the next town over from Sandy Hook. I can’t even describe to you what the days following the horrific shootings were like. The only way for our voices to be heard is to vote! Please research the candidates and see where they stand on gun control. As Elizabeth stated above, Everytown for Gun Safety is a great cause to donate to. The NRA is a formidable opponent. WE MUST FIGHT!
Thanks for mentioning such a controversial subject—I agree that people need to start speaking up.
The government may be corrupt, but the people are just letting it go to ruin without standing up and doing something about it. If the government is of the people, by the people, and for the people, it’s the people that need to make sure we’re not allowing the government to trample us without speaking out. We’re in essence giving them our consent.
And you know what? The government is afraid of people who think for themselves! I’m glad my parents raised me to question and test things and find out what I believe =)
Erin,
I agree with you 100%! Thank you for your honest and wise words.
Thank you for speaking up! I agree completely. We all need to do more to speak up so that we can make a difference! Our voices matter and we can bring about positive change in this country.
Bravo, Bravo, Bravo!
100% agree and I thank you for using your platform to speak up.
I do believe semi automatic guns should be eliminated. With that said their are many groups in our country holding it captive. There are also many areas where we are not being responsible to our children. Like the government debt that has been added in the last 15 years. How are our children going to get that under control. How about the complete decline in our children’s education compared to other countries.
Yes, this is horrific and sad. I don’t think taking away the guns as in the second amendment solves the problem. Those with this kind of vengeance will always be able to find them. It is too bad someone in that bar did not have a gun to protect those 50 plus people.
“An off-duty police officer working security at the club initially engaged in a gun battle with the shooter but was apparently unable to stop him.”
It is too bad that people think you solve gun violence with more guns. I cannot imagine living in a country where the only way to stay alive is to arm yourself against other Americans exercising their 2nd Amendment “rights”.
Thank you for posting, Erin. We are very lucky to live in a state that takes its citizens’ well-being seriously and works hard to keep automatic weapons out of people’s hands. We should all be embarrassed and horrified by the American obsession with violence and antiquated ideas about self-protection. Bravo for voicing your disgust.
Erin,
Join Moms Demand Action—it’s a great group that is really helping get sensible gun control accomplished. I’ve gotten to visit Senators Markey and Warren (with my baby in tow) to lobby for better gun control efforts and now Markey’s actually working on it! It feels great to be a part of a proactive group—and nobody better than moms to protect our kids!
I agree with you 1000%!! It doesn’t matter who, where or why. These senseless killings have to stop and the first place is tougher gun control laws. I can’t think of a SINGLE reason why an ordinary citizen should be allowed to own a semi-automatic weapon. We have to do something now! We should have done something years ago! Bravo to you for speaking your mind.
Thank you Erin! Recently, President Obama covered this topic so beautifully in a town hall meeting when he was asked about gun control laws. He equated it to how car travel used to be much deadlier until common sense laws were applied. Want to drive a car? You need to take a test to prove that you understand how to. Want to be in a car? You need to take the legal safety precautions and wear your seat belt. And guess what? Car travel got a hell of a lot safer. He also covered how any time a common sense law is introduced (particularly from the Democratic side), it is met with cries of “THEY WANT TO TAKE ALL OUR GUNS!” and that is literally. never. the. case.
I appreciate that you shared this message in what may be seen as an unusual platform for this topic, because it truly is time for us to stop being silent. If one of hurts, all of us hurt.
Yes, I watched this. He communicates it very well. Here is a link to the snippet: https://www.facebook.com/newshour/videos/10154247237078675/?pnref=story
Couldn’t agree more; bravo!
Agree! Well said, Erin.
Well said, Erin. That is, and will always will be, what will solve this issue. I am very close to Sandy Hook and when that happened, I thought, “There is NO way the government will not do something now that children were involved.” But nothing happened. Nothing changed. I hope that it does now. Thank you for your post.
And to any negative comments that may come, that is, of course, their right to express what they think. But you cannot argue that anyone (outside the military) would need a weapon of that caliber. And although love is important, it’s not enough right now. We need the gun laws to change, period.
Erin,
What a well-written and well-argued post. I respect your willingness to address this issue in your blog. I agree with everything you said and am grateful that you took the time to write down what I’ve been thinking. The fact that one person can shoot 103 people in a short time is pure insanity. The legislators who have opposed banning assault weapons have blood on their hands. I don’t mean to be melodramatic – but I don’t see how they can sleep at night.
Being a mom changes things to your core. You watch the interviews of moms desperately wanting to hear from their sons and daughters, you read the last text messages they received, grown adults still referring to “mommy” as they plead for help. I’m changed and although my position on gun laws remains the same (I’ve always been pro-gun legislation), like you I’m not more passionate than ever. Those were someone’s babies and this is not ok.
*now more passionate
Thank you for lending your voice to this critical discussion, Erin. You asked for resources to help make an impact; here’s a great one: Everytown for Gun Safety is an organization doing good work, if you’re interested in learning more: https://everytown.org/?source=gmnp_EOY
Thank you for this post. As a person who grew up around Orlando and was so worried about many friends (gay and straight) this weekend, it is comforting to know that there are people who care and who are courageous enough to speak up. Although the news coverage and celebrity response have been quite big, I have been incredibly disappointed in the lack of individual Americans offering condolences or speaking up politically about a literal, actual, real terrorist attack on U.S. soil. I don’t know why that is, but it is rather disappointing and frightening. Again, thank you for speaking up. I know that the loved ones of those affected and many others truly appreciate it.
Briana
http://www.youngsophisticate.com
Bravo, Erin!
100% agree. The only way to make a change is if we all stand together and demand it.
Bravo! Perfectly said! Amen!
Thank you for speaking up. I have now become numb to these repetitive senseless and tragic events and I am so disheartened (and disgusted) that the mass murder of innocent children at Sandy Hook wasn’t enough to institute any change to our gun laws. If that event alone wasn’t enough to compel change, what will? And I am tired of hearing that this is a mental-health issue.
100% agree with you Erin; bravo for using your platform to speak out.
My husband and I came to the same conclusion as you after Sandy Hook. Well, technically we just got mad after Sandy Hook. We decided to become single issue voters and donate regularly to Everytown for Gun Safety.
The thing is, we get the government we collectively deserve. As long as Americans are voting for politicians with A ratings from the NRA, and as long as gun nuts are more motivated to their cause than gun safety folks are, this will keep happening. Hopefully in time people like you and me will not only outnumber the gun nuts, but also vote and donate accordingly.
This tragedy also hit me hard. It’s still making me tear up. Since I live in Texas, I hear a lot of rants about the 2nd amendment, and as a Texan, I fully believe in an individual’s right to own guns. However, if you’ve ever traveled abroad, you’ll learn quite quickly that we are the only country that deals with these mass shootings on the reg, and we are the country with the most lax gun laws. Can you go hunting in Great Britain? Absolutely. Heck, they are more into hunting than we are. Hunter Boots were made for hunting in England for gosh sakes. But they don’t have easy access to guns there, and they definitely don’t have a love affair with guns, as we do in the States. So to sum, I agree with you about everything.
YES. Enough already, we have to do something.
In Australia, they implemented gun control laws, and saw a precipitous drop in gun-related deaths. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/05/world/australia/australia-gun-ban-shooting.html
We can, should, must enact similar changes here.
My husband always says…if you want a gun so bad it should be like at the time the 2nd amendment was written. You can have a musket…that you have to load one bullet at a time.
Yes!!!! I 100% agree!!!! Thank you for speaking up. Something has to be done about the gun laws here. It makes me sick.
I agree with you Erin. I speak from Australia where we have very strict gun laws which were introduced in the 1970s after a mass killing by one man at Port Arthur in Tasmania. There have been no mass killings since then. I find it absolutely unfathomable that after all the massacres that have happened in the USA that people do not want any changes to the gun laws. How many more innocent men, women and children have to die before something is done?
Correct and Australia has some of the strictest immigration policies and controls in the world.
100% agree with you on this issue and applaud you for taking advantage of the platform you have and speaking up. Guns are the problem much more so than hate filled people as we will always have hate filled people so why don’t we do something about the atrociously easy access to weapons of mass destruction such as assault rifles?
We live in an obsessed gun culture and it’s killing us. Here’s a scary gun fact that maybe some of your readers will listen to: Toddlers killed more people than terrorists did in 2015. Yes, toddlers. Because of the easy access. Wake up, people.
Erin…
We shared a due date and have little boys within a few days of one another. While I sadly watched the events of Newton and countless other tragedies unfold…yesterday’s horror was different. They were all someone’s child. I hate that it took me having my own to feel it so deeply…but I am with you more than ever before. We can do better as a country for our kids. Thanks for being a voice of reason in a sea of insanity.
Much love.
AMEN.
Hi Erin,
I love you and I love your blog. But you are so wrong about all of this. No sense debating it with you, your mind is made up. I just feel so sad for you because you will lose many readers because of this position. I can only imagine the hate filled reply’s you will receive due to this post. Mine won’t be one of them. I believe only love can solve the horrible things that are going on in our country.
Erin, I wholeheartedly agree with you and I too am tired of the rhetoric that is constantly used by the NRA to support their agenda. I’m especially tired of the idle threats and argument people who support the NRA use when anyone dares speak against said agenda. Unless you can supply thought leadership to the debate and offer a solution that will eliminate & end senseless gun violence, then you are absolutely part of the problem. To say that Erin will lose followers or that imply that she is somehow going against the fray by suggesting a common sense gun law is ridiculous and again, part of the problem. Kathleen Tweed, if you have a suggestion that will help America end gun violence, I’d be interested in hearing it, otherwise YOU are without question the problem.
https://everytown.org
Kathleen
I respect your right to have an opposing viewpoint from Erin. As an American it is your right to express an opposing view. What disturbs me is your passive attach on Erin’s position and blog “you feel sad because she will lose many readers”. “You can only imagine the hate filled reply’s”. To me your response if filled with passive aggressive anger and hate. Why go down the road about her readership. Funny I did not feel the “love ” you were expressing in your response.
Well said, Erin. (And I truly doubt you will lose many readers because of your position, as claimed in the earlier comment. It is time for change. Is has been time for change.)
Awww, love. That’s sweet. Ideals are wonderful things, but the older you get, the more you realize that they aren’t enough to create a cohesive society. The same applies for my 4-year old–I could set out a chocolate cake on the table and lovingly ask him to not touch it while I go outside for a few hours. OR I could just put it away so there’s no temptation. Huge difference between a child/cake and a murderous crazy person/semi-automatic weapon, but the point is the same: if you don’t want someone to do something, don’t make it easy to give in to temptation. I respect Erin for this post. Preach, Erin.
Kathleen, I think if you are going to write this comment, you owe it to Erin (and everyone else who reads it) TO debate it. It seems unfair to call someone “so wrong”, warn them of the hate-filled replies they will get and the readers they will lose, tell them how sad you are for them, lecture them on how love is the only answer, and then NOT share your point of view.
Maybe you have valid arguments for the way you feel that we can all learn from. Maybe we can all see this tragedy in a different light as a result of your insights. Maybe you’ll push the needle. Or maybe not. But my guess is that if you felt strongly enough about your point of view in the first place, as opposed to merely posting a judgmental reaction to someone else’s, you’d fell equally compelled to share it.
Until that point, maybe it’s better to not tell someone they’re wrong unless you’re prepared to grow a pair and respectfully tell them why.
I am so sad for you, after all this time, and all the statistics that we know, that you refuse to see that you can shift and soften your position without giving into fear that has been taught to you. To say now that every thing she has written, that she is “so wrong about ALL of this.” That is what I am sorry about most of all.
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”
― Aristotle, Metaphysics
Kathleen – every right we have in this country is balanced by the government’s countervailing interests. Even the First Amendment has constitutionally recognized limits. Is there a common-sense reason for civilians to own semi-automatic weapons that outweighs the government’s interest in keeping the public safe? I can’t think of one.
Lucy, clearly Kathleen is talking crazy talk, or at the very least, she is a person with an opinion but absolutely nothing to back it up with (obviously…because she said not one thing to back it up). I agree with everything Erin said. I just what to point out one thing (as a history major)– the reason we have access to guns in our constitution is because we are a nation that was founded in revolution, against another oppressing government. While at that time pistols and rifles were about the extent of personal gun ownership, this was also the extent of government arsenals (with the exception of cannons, which civilians also had access to–just not as commonly). Point is, everyone who has the capacity for critical thinking knows that the Constitution can not be looked at as a non-changing document (not a jab at you :) . I think if our forefathers were alive now they would interpret the 2nd amendment as all civilians having a right to bear arms that are equal to the weapons that their government has, in order for the people to protect itself against said government should they become oppressive, as the British government did with the then colonies. But, I recognize this is a tricky argument, as is any regarding gun control, and so many other sensitive topics. This comment is just meant to provide you with a reason that I know of, based on historical fact and many people’s beliefs, that people have a right to arms specificially to protect against their own government. But again to be clear, I agree with Erin’s entire post: gun laws should be much more strict, it is a shame that our govt is bullied into compliance by the NRA, and at this rate, I fear that this country is going to hell in a hand basket. :(
Why would she lose any readers? Are you saying people will disagree with her smart, spot-on assessment of what’s wrong in this country? If that’s the problem, then I don’t think she needs those kind of readers.
Her position is neither smart nor correct. The second amendment was not created for hunting, but to allow citizens to protect themselves, both individually and as a militia. They may be protecting themselves from attackers of many types including foreign and domestic government. It was actually intended for military grade weapons. So wrong b on that count. Second, most hunting rifles are semi-automatic. So wrong on that one. Third, the second amendment is not limited to a gun in the home for protection or hunting. The Supreme Court confirmed firearm protection right exteND beyond the home, so wrong on that one. Fourth, waiting periods do nothing. Newtown was a gun owned for several years before the attack. Orlando attacker had a security worker Class Glenn permit that is just below that of law enforcement. He had extensive background checks and owned the gun well in advance of the attack. Wrong on that one too. Stick to design…you know nothing of guns, gun laws, or gun rights.
Kathleen , your optimism that love can solve this is impressive. You know what I am optimistic about? My ability to defend myself against a knife attack.
It’s time the United States abandon this gun insanity.